A Complete Guide to Flossing Teeth

Do you floss as often as you should? Most people brush their teeth every day, but not everyone flosses. Flossing is just as important to your dental and oral health as brushing, so why aren’t we all getting it done? For some it may be a lack of information. Learn everything you need to know in this complete guide to flossing teeth. 

The Importance of Flossing

You only get one set of natural permanent teeth in your lifetime. Do you want to keep yours? If so, preventive dentistry is necessary, and flossing is an important part of that. Flossing removes plaque that builds up in the spaces between your teeth. And when you floss correctly, it also clears plaque out of the pockets between your teeth and gums. 

Why does plaque need to be removed? Because it contains bacteria that eat away at the enamel of your teeth (tooth decay) and infect your gums (gum disease). After brushing, flossing is your best defense against tooth decay and gum disease, helping you maintain your oral health. And oral health is closely tied to your overall health and wellness. 

How to Floss

When using any type of string floss, tear off a piece about 18 inches long and wrap it around your middle fingers on both hands, leaving about 2 inches in between. Then use your index fingers to slide the floss in between each of your teeth, wrapping the floss slightly around each tooth to reach the pockets between your teeth and gums. Discard the floss when you are done. 

Floss picks work like string floss, but you don’t have to wrap it around your fingers. The string of floss is stretched across a u-shaped piece of plastic. Simply slide the string portion between each tooth and curve the floss around each tooth to reach the pockets between the teeth and gums. 

How Often to Floss 

Dentists recommend flossing once a day between all of your teeth. This is enough to remove plaque without irritating your gums. 

Types of Floss and Flossing Tools 

The following flossing tools are available: 

• String floss. Basic string floss comes in a plastic container with a spool inside and a place to tear each piece. 

• Waxed floss. String floss comes coated in wax for less fraying and breakage. 

• Dental tape. Dental tape is wider and flat for getting between teeth with wider gaps. 

• Superfloss. Superfloss is wider and spongy for cleaning between teeth with wider gaps. It also has a reinforced end like a shoestring to thread it under braces or dental work. 

• Floss pick. A floss pick is a plastic piece with a u-shaped head and a piece of floss stretched across it. This allows you to avoid wrapping floss around your fingers. Floss picks are also easier for children to use. 

• Water flosser. A water flosser is a machine that sprays pressurized water through a small wand that you place between each tooth

Learn More About Flossing and Oral Health 

If you want to know more about how flossing can help with oral health and wellness, Shaus Dental Studio can provide all of the information you need. We can teach you effective flossing techniques to make it easy to maintain your oral health. 

Call 763-525-0306 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing?

Do floss picks work as well as string floss? 

In general, string floss is easier to wrap around the sides of each tooth, getting down into the pockets between the teeth and gums. Floss picks can still do this, but not as effectively. However, it is better to floss with a floss pick than not to floss at all. 

How do you floss with braces?

Braces require different flossing techniques and tools:

• Water flossers can be used with braces and other dental work. 
• Special floss sticks are made for braces with a narrow head. 
• String floss can be threaded under the archwire. Superfloss can be easier to thread because it has a reinforced end.