Your Vernon Invisalign® Provider
Flossing Myths Dispelled
Preventive oral hygiene is more than just attending regular dental checkups. It's also imperative to practice rigorous daily oral health care routines at home. This means brushing and flossing regularly, and taking your time to do it thoroughly.
Daily flossing is an effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but also helps prevent plaque from building up so you can avoid long-term damage to the teeth and gums.
There are many myths about flossing, which can cause people to skip this vital oral health care practice altogether.
The following are 5 common flossing myths debunked by our Vernon dentists.
Myth 1: You only need to floss when you have food stuck in your teeth.
Brushing alone won't remove bacteria in between teeth, which means only a portion of the tooth’s surface is getting cleaned. Even if you don't see or feel something stuck between your teeth, there is plaque building up that can only be removed by flossing to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Myth 2: Mouthwash is a good alternative to flossing.
Mouthwash simply just can't remove the plaque that is stuck between your teeth. While it can be an effective addition to your oral health care routine, it should never be used as a replacement for flossing.
Myth 3: You can't floss your teeth if you have braces.
Admittedly it can be a little more challenging to floss with braces, but it is still a very necessary practice when it comes to protecting your oral health. With braces, gums are more likely to become inflamed, so flossing will help keep your gum line clean and free from plaque build-up during your orthodontic treatment. Today, there are also alternative orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign clear aligners, that can be removed for brushing and flossing to make the process easier.
Myth 4: Your children are too young to floss.
It's never too early for kids to begin caring for their teeth, and that includes flossing. In fact, the earlier they start the more likely it is for them to develop and maintain good oral health care routines into adulthood. If they are finding it difficult to floss on their own, try to encourage them and help them along the way. If your child is under 10 years old, you can do it for them.
Myth 5: Your gums bleed when you floss, so you shouldn't floss.
If your gums bleed, this is usually a sign that you need to floss more often, not less. Your gums could be bleeding simply because they’re not used to being flossed. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. If your gums are bleeding continually, then it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, so be sure to share any concerns with your dentist.