🦷 Why Do We Even Have to Floss? Here's the Real Answer

A patient recently asked me, “Why do we even have to floss?”

It’s such a simple question—but honestly, it’s packed with so much importance that I knew I had to talk about it in this week’s newsletter. Let’s talk!

For this week, we’re talking...

• Flossing

• More Flossing

• Regular Cleanings

🦷 Why Do We Even Floss

Brushing isn’t enough.
Even if you’re a great brusher, your toothbrush can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Plaque and food particles love to hide in those narrow gaps—and when left untouched, they can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.

Gum disease starts in between.
Most early signs of gum disease (like gingivitis) begin between your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be cleaned by a dental professional. Over time, this buildup irritates your gums, causes them to bleed, and can eventually lead to bone loss and tooth mobility. That’s a lot of trouble for something that flossing could’ve helped prevent.

It helps your whole body, not just your mouth.
Believe it or not, poor gum health is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even some respiratory issues. Your mouth is part of your body’s overall system—keeping it clean helps more than just your teeth!

👍 How to Floss Properly (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever been unsure about your flossing technique, you’re not alone. Many people floss the wrong way without even realizing it. Here's the correct way to do it:

Step 1: Wash your hands.
Before flossing, always wash your hands. You’ll be using your fingers in and around your mouth, and clean hands help prevent introducing germs.

Step 2: Use enough floss.
Break off about 18 inches of floss. This gives you plenty to work with so you can use a clean section for each space between your teeth.

Step 3: Wrap the floss.
Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1–2 inches in between to work with. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss between your teeth.

Step 4: Gently slide between the teeth.
Don't snap the floss into your gums! Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a zigzag or seesaw motion if needed.

Step 5: Hug the tooth with a “C-shape.”
Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C-shape” around one tooth. Slide it up and down along the side of the tooth, going slightly under the gumline. Then curve it around the other tooth in that space and repeat.

Step 6: Move to a clean section.
Use a clean part of the floss as you move to the next pair of teeth. This helps avoid transferring bacteria from one spot to another.

Step 7: Don’t forget the back teeth!
Make sure to floss behind your last molars—even though there’s no tooth behind them, the backside of those teeth still needs to be cleaned.

🚫Common Flossing Mistakes

• Snapping the floss: This can hurt your gums and cause bleeding. Be gentle!
  

• Only flossing before the dentist visit: Flossing occasionally won’t help long term. Daily flossing is the goal.
  

• Skipping the back teeth: They may be harder to reach, but they matter just as much (if not more) when it comes to plaque buildup.
  

😉Not a Fan of String Floss?

Good news—traditional floss isn’t your only option. You can try:

• Floss picks (great for on-the-go)
  

• Interdental brushes (great for those with dexterity issues)
  
  

• Water flossers (especially helpful for people with gingivitis and/or braces)
  

The key is consistency. Choose the tool you’ll actually use daily.

🎥 This Week’s Video

👅 Dental Pro Tip

Schedule regular dental cleanings. 

Preventive dental care is a great way to limit the risk of smelly tartar buildup and gum disease. Plan to see your dental hygienist at least every six months for a prophylactic cleaning.

Got a second? Please share your feedback by hitting the toothy smileys below! Tell me what you like and how I can make the Teeth Talk Newsletter better!

☮️❤️🦷 

Whitney