Flossing is often overlooked as the less important component of the daily oral hygiene regime; however, brushing alone is not sufficient to prevent gum disease and decay and adding regular flossing to your home hygiene routine will make a world of difference.

Is it really essential to floss?

Ask any dentist if it’s really necessary to floss and you will probably get the same answer from all and this would suggest that flossing is essential for good oral health. The beauty of flossing is that it takes over from where brushing left off and it covers areas of the teeth and gums that cannot be reached with a brush.

When you brush your teeth, you clean the chewing surfaces and the sides of the teeth, but it’s impossible to get the bristles between the teeth and it can also be difficult to clean along the gum line and this is where flossing comes into play.

With dental floss, you can gently clean the cracks between your teeth and remove bacteria, plaque and bits of food that have been left behind after brushing. This prevents plaque from forming and keeps your mouth feeling clean, your teeth looking shiny and white and your breath lovely and fresh.

Flossing tips

Flossing is a very simple and straightforward process, but it can take a little getting used to. Initially, you may find flossing a little fiddly, but stick with it, as you will soon get used to it. Hold the floss between your thumb and fingers and gently pass it through the gaps between the teeth; repeat this with each tooth using a new piece of floss and then clean along your gum line.

Avoid tugging or pulling at the floss, as this will hurt your gums. If you find that your gums are bleeding when you floss or brush, it’s advisable to see your dentist for a quick check-up, as bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease.