Your Swift Current Invisalign® Provider
Our dentists in Swift Current recommend our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day, and floss once per day. We often find ourselves clearing up many myths about flossing for patients. Today, we'll debunk some common myths, and explain why flossing is so important and why you should not skip it.
Along with attending regular dental checkups, one key component of preventive dental hygiene is practicing daily oral healthcare routines at home. This means regularly brushing and flossing.
Daily flossing is an effective way to clean between your teeth and under the gum line. Not only does flossing help to clean these spaces, but it also helps to keep plaque from collecting so you can prevent your teeth and gums from becoming damaged.
Many myths about flossing can cause people to skip this important oral healthcare practice altogether. Today, our Swift Current dentists will debunk 5 of these common myths and explain why you should never skip flossing between your teeth.
Myth 1: You only need to floss when you have food stuck in your teeth.
The bacteria between your teeth can't be removed by brushing alone, which means only part of the tooth's surface is getting cleaned. Even if you don't feel or see something stuck between your teeth, plaque buildup can only be removed by flossing to prevent issues such as cavities, bad breath and gum disease.
Myth 2: You can use mouthwash instead of floss.
Similar to brushing, mouthwash will not remove plaque from between your teeth. Though mouthwash can be an effective addition to your oral healthcare routine, it should never be used to replace floss.
Myth 3: You can't floss because you have braces.
It may be harder to floss with braces, but it is still a necessary practice. With braces, gums are more likely to become inflamed, so flossing will help keep your gum line clean and free from plaque build-up during your orthodontic treatment. Today, there are also alternative orthodontic treatment options, like Invisalign clear aligners, that can be removed for brushing and flossing to make the process easier.
Myth 4: Your children are too young to floss.
It's never too early for kids to start flossing. In fact, the earlier they start the more likely it is for them to develop and maintain good oral health care routines into adulthood. If they are finding it difficult to floss on their own, try to encourage them and help them along the way. If your child is under 10 years old, you can do it for them.
Myth 5: Your gums bleed when you floss, so you should stop.
If your gums bleed, this is usually a sign that you need to floss more often, not less. Your gums could be bleeding simply because they’re not used to being flossed. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. If your gums are bleeding continually, then it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, so be sure to share any concerns with your dentist.