Torbram Dental weighs in on the most common myths regarding flossing. (Source: Todays Dental, Most Common Myths about Flossing, https://www.todaysdental.ab.ca/site/blog/2019/07/02/most-common-myths-about-flossing).
Having regular dental checkups isn’t the only part of good oral hygiene. Daily dental health care habits at home are also essential. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly plays an important role. The best technique to clean around the teeth and below the gum line is to floss daily.
Flossing is one of the most essential steps in your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove bacteria and food particles that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. And it’s a great way to keep your smile shining.
Flossing has a lot of misconceptions, which can lead to people skipping this important dental hygiene routine. Let’s look at some of Todays Dental myths and what Torbram Dental has to say about them.
The first myth given by Todays Dental is that flossing is only necessary when food is lodged between your teeth.
Torbram Dental says, “Brushing will not eliminate bacteria between the teeth; only a piece of the tooth’s surface should be cleansed. Plaque is growing between your teeth even if you don’t see or feel anything trapped there. Flossing is the best practice to incorporate daily to avoid complications such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.”
The next myth that Todays Dental talks about is that you can’t floss because you wear braces.
Torbram Dental shares their view, “Although flossing is more difficult with braces, it is still an important activity. Gum inflammation is more common with braces. As a result, flossing will aid in keeping your gum line hygienic and plaque-free during your dental treatment. There are also varieties of dental floss that can get between the brackets. Most dentists will either recommend or provide their patient with a few packs.”
Torbram Dental then adds, “Many alternative orthodontic treatment methods are available nowadays. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, may be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making the task simpler.”
Todays Dental then discusses the notion that you can floss with mouthwash instead of floss.
“Mouthwash, like brushing, is ineffective at removing plaque around teeth. Mouthwash can be a useful supplement to your dental health practice. Still, it should never be used in place of flossing,” advises Torbram Dental.
Todays Dental then shares the idea that youngsters are too young to floss, which many parents believe.
“The sooner the children are taught, the more likely they will adopt and sustain healthy oral health care practices throughout their lives. It’s not too soon for children to begin flossing. Motivate them and assist them if they are having difficulty flossing on their own. You can do it for your child if they are under ten years old. There are also child-friendly soft flosses and dental floss holders. Ask your pediatric dentist for other ideas.,” suggests Torbram Dental.
The final myth given by Todays Dental is that flossing causes your gums to bleed; thus, you should quit.
“When your gums bleed, it’s a warning that you should floss more frequently. Your gums may be bleeding merely since you haven’t flossed them in a long time. Your gums will bleed less if you floss frequently. It could indicate gingivitis or gum disease if your gums are often bleeding. So be sure to let your dentist know if you have any problems,” Torbram Dental concludes.