Why Floss?
Some big misconceptions about flossing are that you just have to quickly pop the floss between your teeth to get stuck food out and that it is purely to prevent cavities. In reality, there is a proper technique for flossing called "C-Shape Flossing" and it is important for preventing both tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. So even if you have never gotten a cavity in your life, flossing is still really important!
Have you ever noticed your gums bleed when you floss? This is because there is plaque and bacteria lurking beneath your gums and between your teeth. The gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed in response to the plaque bacteria - resulting in bleeding gums aka gingivitis (early gum disease). If left alone, the bacteria and inflammation causing gingivitis will eventually develop into periodontitis (gum disease) -- to learn more about this, you can check out our other blog post.
However, the more you floss the more you disturb and remove the bacteria under your gums. In turn your gums will bleed less, feel less sore, and prevent cavities at the same time!
How to Floss with C-shape Technique.
If you are just starting out, we recommend that you watch yourself floss in a mirror to ensure you can see what you're doing and prevent any damage to your gums. Using a mirror can also allow you to see any plaque that you may have missed when brushing, and help you identify areas of your gums that are more irritated - signs of inflammation are tender, red, bleeding, and puffy gums.
1. Use a long piece of floss - approximately 18" or an arms length (from your hand to your shoulder). A long piece of floss is easier to wrap around your fingers and keep a grip on, and it also allows you to use a new clean section of floss between each tooth.
2. Get a good grip on the floss by wrapping it around your middle and index fingers keeping about 2 inches between. (Don't wrap it so tight that it cuts off the blood supply to your fingers).
3. Gently get the floss between your teeth - if you have tight contacts between your teeth, use a see-saw motion while applying gentle downward pressure until you feel the floss pass the tight area.
4. Hug the side of one tooth with the floss, making a "C-shape" so that the floss wraps around the shape of the tooth.
5. Gently move the floss up and down a few times, going under the gumline as far as the floss will go - but don't use too much force, you don't want to damage your gums!.
6. Repeat on the side of the other tooth, then repeat between all your teeth. It is best to use a sequence so that you don't miss any teeth -- start at the midline between your two front teeth, then work backwards to the last molar on one side and repeat on the other side, top & bottom.
7. Make sure you floss the back of the last molars too
* If you are more of a visual learner - you can watch our demonstration video on Instagram here. And our hygienists are always happy to give you a real life demonstration during your next hygiene visit!
Is string floss better than floss picks (plastic handled flossers)?
It is very difficult to achieve the C-shape with floss picks, because the floss is strung tight in a straight line on the plastic handle. Floss picks also use the same piece of floss throughout your whole mouth, which can encourage the spread of bacteria. For this reason we always recommend that you use string floss when possible, as it is more effective for removing and not spreading plaque bacteria and preventing gum disease. There is also the added benefit that is a more eco-friendly, and often less costly option. However, floss picks are great for people with limited dexterity (especially children), as they can be easier to use as they have a handle to hold. They also provide more convenience and are great for on-the-go.
How to Build a Flossing Routine.
We know flossing can be a tedious task, especially if you're new to it. The most common barrier that people express is that it is hard to work flossing habits into their current routine.
1. Choose a time of day that works for you - this can be when you brush in the morning, at night, after lunch, or even while you watch TV! The main goal is to disturb the bacteria under your gums and between your teeth at least once a day - any time of day.
2. Instead of making a drastic jump from flossing never to flossing everyday, try slowly increasing how often you floss. You can try starting out by flossing a few times a week, and once you've nailed the technique and get faster at doing it, increase to every other day, and eventually everyday.
3. Ultimately, flossing with floss picks is better than not flossing at all! So if your struggle with using string floss or if the convenience of floss picks allows flossing to be a part of your routine, use what works best for you.
Happy flossing! If you have any questions or would like an in person demonstration on proper "C-Shape" flossing technique, our hygienists are happy to address your needs during your next hygiene appointment.