Even though flossing is crucial to oral hygiene, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions out there about its positive, or negative, effects.
If you’ve been worried that flossing could create gaps in your teeth, we’re here to provide you with accurate information and helpful tips. After all, at Dakota Dental, we want your dental care routine to be easy, effective, and beneficial.
What Does Flossing Do For Your Teeth?
Before diving into the myth, here’s why flossing is so important: When you brush your teeth, you’re not actually removing all the food particles and plaque that build up between your teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps reach these areas, preventing plaque buildup, reducing the risk of cavities, and maintaining healthy gums.
Does Flossing Create Gaps in Teeth?
No, flossing does not create gaps in your teeth as long as you’re doing it correctly. Here’s why:
- The Nature of Flossing. Flossing involves gently sliding a piece of floss between your teeth to remove debris and plaque. When you floss correctly, that is to say gently, you won’t harm your gums or teeth but, instead, keep those spaces clean and healthy.
- Keep Your Gums Healthy. Regular flossing promotes healthy gums, which, in turn, helps maintain the spaces between your teeth. Unhealthy gums can recede or swell, potentially altering the appearance of gaps.
- Prevent Plaque Buildup. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which may cause gums to pull away from the teeth, creating the illusion of gaps. Flossing prevents this buildup, protecting your teeth and gums from disease and preserving your teeth’s natural alignment.
How to Floss Effectively
For a safe, effective flossing routine, follow these recommendations from our expert dental team:
- Use Enough Floss. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand.
- Gentle Motion. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Gently rub it between your teeth, avoiding snapping it into your gums.
- Curve the Floss. Curve the floss into a C against one tooth when it reaches the gumline. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Clean All Sides. Move the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this process on the rest of your teeth. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Common Flossing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
You can maximize the flossing benefits by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Using Too Much Force. Remember, flossing shouldn’t be painful. Too much force can damage your gums and potentially contribute to gum recession.
- Flossing Infrequently. Flossing should be a daily habit, so don’t skip days if you can help it. When you do skip, plaque starts to build up, which increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Here’s how to create a lifelong flossing habit.
- Ignoring the Back Teeth. Even if your back teeth are hard to reach, don’t neglect them. These teeth are just as susceptible to plaque buildup and decay.
You Deserve Healthy Teeth and Gums
Flossing is an essential part of a healthy dental care routine, but it can take practice! If you find flossing challenging, the Dakota Dental team is here to help. We can offer personalized tips, show you best practices, or discuss other methods of oral irrigation.
Schedule an appointment at our Apple Valley clinic to ensure your smile remains bright and healthy!