Flossing—Do I Really Have To? | Ardas Family Dental

We all know we’re supposed to floss, but how many of us really love it? Probably not too many.

In fact, while we know that flossing is essential for getting rid of plaque on the hidden surfaces of our teeth, less than 30% of us floss on a daily basis.

Why is it really necessary? And are there any alternatives for those of us who just don’t like flossing?

Read on as we offer some perspective.

Flossing Basics

When we’re brushing our teeth, we’re cleaning the surfaces. But the act of brushing misses out on some of the tooth landscape—namely the parts of the teeth that butt up against each other and aren’t visible to the eye.

That’s where flossing comes into play. Flossing your teeth at least once per day is tied with a reduced risk of gingivitis and other oral health issues.

It’s not difficult. You simply get some dental floss, wrap the ends of it around your index and middle fingers, and then work the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape. This helps clear out plaque and other hidden debris between the teeth.

But I Don’t Like Flossing…

That’s OK. If you truly hate using dental floss to clean between your teeth, there are alternatives that can help you get to that debris without the floss.

In fact, if used consistently, those dental floss alternatives can be just as effective. You can try:

• Interdental brushes, which are tiny wires that you push between your teeth
• Floss picks, which eliminate the strand of floss and simplify the process
• Water picks, which use a flow of water to cleanse between the teeth

Whatever you choose, pair your between-teeth cleaning habits with twice daily brushing for best results!

At Ardas Family Dental, we want all of our patients to have their best smiles! Visit our website to learn more about our various services and request your next appointment online.