To floss or not to floss?
For a long time, dentists have said that flossing is an essential part of our oral hygiene. And they strongly recommended it to their patients. But there are people who claim that there is no proof regarding the real benefits of cleaning between your teeth. So what should we do? Continue to floss or stop this habit?
Let’s read together this article in order to have an idea about the importance of flossing. After reading it, you will decide whether this oral hygiene habit is effective or not.
Although recent reports suggested that flossing is not an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums, The American Dental Association (ADA)recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day. This is important because plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing can turn into tartar. And from here problems begin.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), flossing is the most important weapon against plaque.
In addition to this, US Department of Health and Human services sent a statement in August 2016 that called flossing “an important oral hygiene practice”.
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) continues to recommend daily flossing by saying that: “Flossing allows for the removal of plaque bacteria and debris from the areas in the mouth that brushing alone cannot reach”.
All this debate begun after a report done by the Associated Press, which suggested that there is no strong evidence that flossing has benefits for our oral health. And that flossing is not scientifically proven to be effective.
Bellow you will find some general information related to flossing.
Regarding the time when we should floss, keep in mind that it is recommended to floss before going to sleep and before brushing your teeth.
Flossing shouldn’t be painful and you should do it gentle in order not to harm the tissue between your teeth. As long as flossing became a daily habit, it will be a pleasant activity for you. And do not forget to learn your kids about how to floss their teeth. Children are not usually able to clean their teeth by themselves until they are 10 or 11. So until then they need help.
The majority of dentists recommend cleaning between your teeth on a daily basis. There is even a National Flossing Day, which is the day after Thanksgiving.
You must also know that ADA started promoting flossing in 1908. A dentist in America was the one who invented flossing in the early 1800s. The first floss was patented in 1874. Beginning with that year, dentists recommended it as a habit for your good oral health.
Even though there are people who do not see flossing as a benefit for your teeth and gums’ health, dentist and different health organizations recommend it.
Bellow you can find some useful tips for flossing:
- Try not to push floss into the gums;
- If you are not used to floss, you may experience bleeding gums in the first days you begin to floss. If bleeding continues after the first week of flossing, you should call your dentist for an appointment. This is not normal.
As a conclusion, flossing cannot be harmful for your oral health, as long as it is properly done, in a gentle way. Flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day, for 2 minutes each time and doing regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning and for check-ups are healthy habits if you want to have your teeth for a lifetime.
Whenever you need additional information related to flossing or another dental issues, please give us a call. 610.647.7611 is the phone you can reach us. Dr. Arhiri and his staff will help you.
References:
https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/flossing3.html
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing
http://blog.doctoroz.com/oz-experts/5-things-to-know-about-flossing
http://www.livescience.com/55737-should-you-floss-what-experts-say.html
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