Things NOT to do while flossing

Flossing seems so easy! Just slide some string between your teeth to clean those hard to reach areas and call it a day, right? It may seem that simple, but many people make common mistakes when flossing that can minimize the benefits.

Here are some things NOT to do while flossing:

1. Only flossing one side of the tooth.

When you floss between your teeth, you need to make sure that you are cleaning both sides of your teeth; otherwise you’re only getting 50% of the job done! Plaque is hiding in between your teeth and if you’re only removing plaque from one side of the teeth, you can still easily get a cavity on that tooth you’re not flossing.

2. Use the same section of floss for all your teeth

Flossing removes bacteria and debris from between your teeth and below your gum-line. If you use the same piece of floss for every tooth, you’re just spreading around the debris and bacteria.

3. Missing the very back of your mouth

Even though your last four teeth in the back of your mouth don’t have another tooth next to them to floss between, it’s important to get all of the way back there between the tooth and the gum-line to remove bacteria that may have made it’s way down there.

4. Quitting when your gums bleed

Blood may scare some people when they floss because they think that they are hurting their gums if they bleed.  You are not hurting them as long as you're not flossing too hard. Most likely, the reason they bleed is because they haven't been flossed in a while and the gum tissue has become red and inflamed.  This is a condition known as gingivitis. After a few days, your gums should return to health and you can floss normally without any bleeding.

5. Only using floss to remove food

Unfortunately, many people think that the only reason for flossing is to remove food that has gotten wedged between their teeth. This may be because you can see and feel food between your teeth but not plaque. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be removed! Flossing is the only way to remove that plaque that gets stuck between your teeth so even if you don’t have food stuck in your tooth, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to floss! 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you will be able floss more efficiently which will lead to greater oral health.  It is also important to visit your dentist for any other oral health issues and for routine cleanings. Come into West Bloomington’s Krengel Dental and we’ll answer any flossing questions you may have!