HomeHealth articlesflossingIs Flossing Really Beneficial?

Is Flossing Really Beneficial?

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Flossing is the most commonly recommended method to remove plaque from the spaces between the teeth. This article will take you through flossing in detail.

Written by

Dr. Prerana G

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At April 15, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2022

Overview:

It is believed that the mouth is the index of the body. Medical conditions that are hidden within are reflected through the oral cavity. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene should be considered important as maintaining good overall health. Dentists recommend several techniques to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouth rinses, and regular dental checkups help in promoting oral health. The main goal of these techniques is to remove dental plaque and prevent dental disease.

What Is Flossing?

Flossing or dental flossing is the most commonly recommended method to remove plaque (a film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth) from the spaces between the teeth. Numerous aids such as floss, interdental brushes, and wooden or plastic tips are available to clean interdental areas. However, several factors like space between the teeth and gingival (gum) health help determine the selection of interdental aids.

Why Is Flossing Necessary?

As discussed above, flossing is necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria in interdental regions. Cleaning between teeth is essential to prevent gum diseases and cavities. Plaque sticks to the teeth snugly and is not removed by regular brushing. Regardless of efficient brushing methods, food debris is not entirely removed from tight junctions between the teeth. This becomes a harbor for the growth of microorganisms. According to the US health and human services department, flossing is declared an essential oral hygiene practice.

According to research, it was estimated that 61 % of Americans had used their fingernails to pick a tooth. In addition, 40 % have used folded paper cards, 20 % used cutlery, and 14 % used safety pins and even hair strands. These items can be harmful to teeth and gums. Therefore, consulting a dentist is essential before trying out unconventional methods.

What Is the History of Dental Floss?

A dentist named Levi Spear Parmly invented the first type of dental floss in 1819. He described it as running a waxy silk thread between the teeth to remove irritating substances. Dental floss was commercially available from 1882.

What Are the Types of Dental Floss?

1. Waxed Floss - It is usually made of nylon. The thread contains a single filament coated with wax or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The floss does not fray but tends to get cut. The demerits include decreased blood circulation to the finger and the inability to reach the posterior teeth.

2. Unwaxed Floss - It is also made of nylon, but the filament is unwaxed. The filament contains multiple threads and has the same demerits as a waxed floss.

3. Dental Tape - It is similar to waxed floss, but it has a broader and flatter design. Dental tapes are designed for teeth with a larger surface area. Dental tapes are used only once and disposed of later.

4. Tufted (Braided Dental Floss or Superfloss) - The floss threads are wider, braided, and have a regular diameter. However, the fibers may irritate and injure the gum.

5. Floss Holder - The regular floss is attached to a Y-shaped or F-shaped holder. A floss holder is highly recommended for individuals who are physically challenged. The holder can be used multiple times, while the thread must be changed after each use.

6. Floss Threader - It is a nylon loop designed to resemble a needle with an opening for dental floss. It helps clean the interdental areas with little or no gap. The floss holder allows cleaning between bridges, crowns, implants, and orthodontic appliances. However, the floss holder tends to damage the gums.

What Are the Steps in Flossing?

Follow these steps to floss your teeth properly:

Step 1 - Cut about 18 inches of floss and wind (longer length) around the middle finger of one hand. Next, use the middle finger of the other hand to wind (shorter length) the rest. The finger with the shorter floss length will take it up as the floss gets dirty.

Step 2 - The floss should be held tightly between the thumb and forefingers.

Step 3 - The floss should be guided between the teeth in a gentle motion. Do not force the floss into the gums.

Step 4 - Floss along the gum line with a C-curve against the neck of the tooth. Slide the floss gently into the gap between the tooth and gums.

Step 5 - The floss should be held tightly against the tooth and gently rubbed against the tooth in an up and down motion. This motion should be repeated on the rest of the teeth.

Step 6 - The floss should be thrown away once the tooth is clean.

What Is the Best Time to Floss Your Teeth?

There is no best time to floss your teeth as long as you do a good job. Flossing can be done anytime during the day. It can be done first thing in the morning or during the night. Flossing is also recommended for children.

How to Floss Your Teeth When You Have Braces?

The method is similar to general flossing, but you might have to dedicate 10 to 15 minutes if you have braces.

1. Cut 18 to 25 inches of waxed dental floss.

2. Ensure you stand in front of a mirror for clear visualization.

3. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and a dental archwire (primary wire across the teeth).

4. Twist the ends of the floss with your index fingers for easy movement.

5. The floss should be pressed and slid along the sides of the teeth.

6. Follow the curvature of the teeth at the top until you get to the gum line.

7. Remove the floss, unthread it, and move to the next teeth.

Things to Keep In Mind:

  • Flossing should not be painful if done properly.

  • Do not floss too hard as it can damage your teeth and soft tissues.

  • If flossing is too gentle, the debris may not be removed.

  • Flossing feels uncomfortable at the beginning.

  • If pain with flossing persists, contact your dentist.

Conclusion:

Flossing is the most commonly recommended method to remove plaque (a film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth) from the spaces between the teeth. Flossing is necessary as brushing alone is not enough to remove the debris from the interdental area. The right choice of floss depends on the tightness between adjacent teeth, the roughness of the surface, and the patient's manual dexterity. Before choosing the floss, contact your dentist for better guidance. Floss your teeth every day to prevent gum problems and cavities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Whether the Benefits of Flossing Proven?

Though there is no proper evidence to prove that flossing really helps, it is used to fight against gingivitis and periodontal diseases. Because of its low cost, and as there are no side effects, there is no harm in using floss in day-to-day life.

2.

Is Flossing Necessary to Practice Every Day?

No, There is a scarcity of studies that describe the necessity of flossing. If an individual does not floss for one day, it may not affect oral health. But if flossing is not done for many days, that may lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease because of the formation of calculus below the soft tissue and on the teeth. 

3.

What Are the Disadvantages of Flossing?

If flossing is not done properly, it may damage the gum tissue and enamel of the tooth, affecting oral health. Flossing may also cause infection because of the entry of harmful bacteria into the blood.

4.

Does Flossing Bring Any Changes to Teeth?

Yes, flossing definitely makes a difference for teeth. As flossing does prevent gum disease and dental cavities, preventing these problems results in benefits for overall health and oral health. This is achieved as floss removes bacteria and plaque present in between the teeth.

5.

Can Anyone Start Flossing Late?

No, It is never too late to start flossing. In order to maintain good oral health, flossing is to be done to remove the particles present in between the teeth that cannot be removed by toothbrushing. Flossing adds its work to toothbrushing in improving oral health.

6.

Can Mouthwash Be a Substitute for Flossing?

No, both improve oral health but in different ways and provide benefits in different ways. Mouthwash takes a longer period in improving oral health, but flossing does not take a long period. Hence, mouthwash cannot replace flossing.

7.

Do Gums Get Stronger After Flossing?

Yes, Flossing improves the health of gums. It does its work along with toothbrushing and using antibacterial mouthwash regularly. Combined effects help in improving the health of teeth and gum and prevent further gum recession.

8.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Flossing?

Flossing has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of flossing include preventing the build-up of plaque and calculus ( tartar) and improving the health of the gum tissues, thereby stopping the loss of teeth. This action helps protect periodontal tissue, which is responsible for holding the teeth in the socket. It also stops bleeding of the gum by removing the bacteria and also prevents bad breath.
The disadvantages of flossing are it may damage the gum tissues if not used properly. This may act as a site for bacteria to thrive. Formation of tartar may occur and affects teeth by forming dental cavities. In some instances, harmful bacteria may be released into the blood system, causing serious infections in the body.

9.

How Can an Individual Know That the Correct Method of Flossing Is Being Practiced?

There should not be bleeding in gum tissues due to improper methods of flossing. There should not be a tartar remaining in between the teeth, even after flossing. Gentle up and down movement of floss to be done to clean in between the teeth. Back-and-forth movements of floss are to be avoided as they may cause laceration of the gum tissue.

10.

Among Flossing and Toothbrushing, Which One Is to Be Done First?

According to research, flossing before toothbrushing is considered more effective than doing it after toothbrushing. This sequence helps remove the plaque completely, and fluorides can be effectively delivered between the teeth after the removal of the dental plaque. 

11.

How Many Times an Individual Should Do Flossing for Good Oral Health?

According to the American Dental Association, it is wise to floss at least once daily. Flossing once removes the plaque, which is easier to remove within 24 hours. If left without flossing for more than 48 hours, it may become hard to remove the plaque by using floss alone.

12.

What Can Be Used to Clean in Between the Teeth Instead of Flossing?

Interdental brushes are more effective than flossing. These are convenient, easy, and simple to use. They clean the plaque in between the teeth and aid in maintaining good oral health. 

13.

Can Salt Water Gargling Be Used Instead of Flossing?

No, salt water cannot replace flossing. Though salt water may remove the plaque, mechanical removal of dental plaque in between the teeth is a must through flossing and tooth brushing. This mechanical method removes bacteria, food particles, and plaque if done properly and regularly.

14.

Which Method Is Better Among Gargling and Flossing?

According to recent studies, gargling with mouthwash is as effective as flossing. Even antiseptic mouthwashes are as good and effective as using floss to remove dental plaque in between the teeth.

15.

How Deep the Gum Line Floss Can Be Moved?

Floss can be moved down 2 to 3 millimeters deep to the gum line. By moving 2 to 3 meters deep to the gum line, bacteria and plaque that are responsible for gum disease can be successfully removed with floss.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Prerana G
Dr. Prerana G

Dentistry

Tags:

flossing
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

flossing

Ask a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy