We all know it’s important to floss, but we often come up with reasons to avoid doing it every day. So which excuses have you been telling yourself? Here are five of the most common flossing myths debunked.
If My Gums Bleed, I Should Stop
In fact, you should do exactly the opposite. Some bleeding around the gum line is completely natural as you start to remove bacteria from the gums. It should subside in a few days, but if you experience excessive bleeding that continues longer than a week, you should visit your dentist.
I Have Braces, So I Don’t Need to Floss
Wrong again. You should continue to floss even when you have braces to remove any food particles that get stuck between your teeth. If you skip out on the flossing, you could end up with tartar buildup and even periodontal disease by the time you have your braces removed. And with stains left on your teeth, this can defeat the whole point of spending money to have a healthy, beautiful smile.
Flossing Will Hurt
Flossing should not hurt if done properly. If you are experiencing pain, you may be using too much pressure or the wrong technique. Talk to your dentist about the proper way to floss your teeth to avoid pain and sensitivities into the future.
Mouthwash is Better
Mouthwash is a component for cleaning your teeth, but it should never become a substitute for flossing. Although some brands are designed to help protect your teeth against plaque, the swirling effect isn’t often enough to remove food particles that get stuck in your teeth or the plaque beneath the gum line. You should always floss first and then mouthwash after.
Only Adults Should Floss
Both children and adults should floss on a regular basis. You can even start your child off flossing as soon as their teeth develop. You may have to lend them a helping hand until they become strong enough to do it on their own, but the sooner you start, the better.
Have you told yourself any of these myths lately to avoid flossing? If you have, now’s the best time to get back on track with your daily routine. Flossing every day can ensure your teeth stay clean and healthy. If flossing has never been a part of your daily routine, contact us at Carlingwood Dental, and we’ll book you in for an appointment so we can show you the proper technique and how to make it more fun and interesting.
