When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, brushing your teeth is only part of the equation. While brushing effectively removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, it misses one crucial area: the spaces between your teeth. This is where flossing comes in. Skipping flossing means you’re leaving up to 35% of your tooth surface uncleaned, which can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease.

Why Flossing Matters

The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes that flossing is just as important as brushing. Toothbrush bristles are designed to clean the flat surfaces of your teeth but are ineffective at reaching the tight spaces between them. These spaces, where your teeth touch, are prime spots for food particles, bacteria, and plaque to accumulate.

Flossing reaches these areas, effectively removing debris and plaque that brushing can’t. If left untreated, plaque buildup in these areas can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar leads to gum irritation, inflammation, and even gum disease if not addressed.

What Happens When You Skip Flossing

By skipping flossing, you leave 35% of your tooth surface untreated, allowing plaque to build up. Over time, this can result in several oral health issues:

1. Cavities: The bacteria trapped between your teeth can lead to tooth decay, eventually forming cavities.
2. Gum Disease: Plaque buildup can irritate your gums, causing gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease). If not treated, it can progress to more severe conditions like periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss.
3. Bad Breath: The bacteria trapped in between your teeth can contribute to persistent bad breath (halitosis). Flossing helps eliminate this source of odor.
4. Stained Teeth: If plaque is not removed, it can contribute to staining between the teeth, affecting the appearance of your smile.

The Proper Way to Floss

Many people skip flossing or don’t do it correctly. Here’s the right technique:

1. Use about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches to work with.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently slide it between your teeth. Avoid snapping it down onto your gums, as this can cause injury.
3. Curve the floss into a C shape around each tooth, gently sliding it up and down to remove plaque. Make sure to floss both sides of each tooth.
4. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria.

Alternatives to Traditional Floss

If you find traditional flossing difficult or uncomfortable, there are alternatives that can still help you clean between your teeth. Consider using:

• Floss picks: These are easier to handle for those who find traditional floss challenging.
• Interdental brushes: These small brushes are designed to fit between teeth and can be an effective alternative.
• Water flossers: These devices use a stream of water to help remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.

Flossing and Overall Health

Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene, including skipping flossing, can contribute to systemic issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. By flossing regularly, you not only protect your teeth and gums but also contribute to your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Skipping flossing means you’re neglecting up to 35% of your tooth surface, putting your oral health at risk. Make flossing a daily habit to ensure that all areas of your teeth are clean and healthy. The small effort you put into flossing now can save you from more serious dental issues later. Your teeth, gums, and overall health will thank you for it!