Why Your Winter Park Dentist Insists You "Stay Flossy!" - The Importance of Daily Flossing
If you've recently been to the dentist – it's no secret to you that your Winter Park dentist recommends a daily flossing routine to maintain excellent oral health. While brushing your teeth is essential, there's another crucial step in your dental care routine that deserves just as much attention – flossing! We want to emphasize why your Winter Park dentist consistently recommends daily flossing and how this simple habit can dramatically improve your dental health.
The Hidden Benefits of Flossing Daily
Did you know that when you only brush your teeth, you're cleaning only about 60% of your tooth surfaces? That leaves a significant 40% of your teeth – specifically the spaces between them – vulnerable to plaque buildup, bacteria, and eventual decay. Flossing reaches these crucial areas that your toothbrush simply cannot access.
Flossing offers numerous benefits beyond just removing food particles stuck between your teeth. Regular flossing:
Removes plaque buildup between teeth before it hardens into tartar
Reduces your risk of developing cavities between teeth
Helps prevent gum disease by removing bacteria near the gum line
Contributes to fresher breath by eliminating food particles and bacteria
Reduces inflammation in your gums, potentially benefiting your overall health
Signs You Need to Improve Your Flossing Routine
If you experience bleeding gums when flossing, this is typically a sign of inflammation from bacterial buildup, which is not a reason to stop flossing. Unfortunately, it can seem counter-intuitive, because if the flossing causes the bleeding - then, naturally, patients will want to avoid repeating that. As we've mentioned in previous posts, the most common cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque along the gumline, which leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease.
If you are flossing regularly and bleeding is a persistent issue for you, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our Winter Park dental office for a proper evaluation. You may have untreated periodontal disease, which can lead to more serious problems in the future.
The Proper Flossing Technique
One of the most common questions for our Winter Park dentist from patients if is they're correctly. Here's our recommended technique:
Take about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers
Hold 1-2 inches of floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers
Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a zig-zag motion
Curve the floss into a "C" shape against one tooth and slide it gently into the space between the gum and tooth
Hold the floss against the tooth and gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving away from the gum
Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss as you move along
Remember, be gentle! Aggressive flossing can damage your gums and actually contribute to recession.
Making Flossing a Daily Habit
We understand that developing a flossing habit can be challenging. That's why at The Ivory Dental, we're still giving out our fun reminder stickers: "Stay Flossy!" and "Go Floss Yourself!" These playful stickers can be placed on your bathroom mirror, phone, or anywhere you'll see them daily as a lighthearted reminder of this important habit.
Some additional tips to help make flossing a consistent part of your routine:
Floss at the same time every day to build a habit – we recommend flossing before brushing
Keep floss in convenient locations (purse, desk drawer, car, nightstand)
Try different types of floss until you find one you prefer – waxed, unwaxed, flat-style, or floss picks
Use a floss holder or pick if traditional flossing is not possible for you
Set a daily reminder on your phone until the habit sticks
Reward yourself for consistent flossing!
When to Adjust Your Flossing Technique
Different dental conditions may require adjustments to your flossing technique. If you have:
Braces: Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to navigate around wires and brackets
Dental bridges: Use a floss threader to clean underneath the bridge
Dental implants: Special implant floss may be recommended
Sensitive gums: Choose soft, waxed floss and be extra gentle
Limited dexterity: Consider using a water flosser or floss picks
Your Winter Park dentist can provide personalized advice for your specific situation during your regular checkup and cleaning appointments.
Our Commitment to Your Dental Health
At The Ivory Dental in Winter Park, we're committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal dental health. We believe that proper education about flossing is just as important as the professional services we provide.
Don't forget to pick up our fun "Stay Flossy!" and "Go Floss Yourself!" stickers during your next visit! They're our small way of helping you remember this crucial step in your daily oral care routine.
If you have questions about flossing techniques or want personalized recommendations, we're here to help. Schedule your appointment today, and let's work together to keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
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