Flossing may seem like a useless activity because its effects are not visible to many. However, you’d be surprised to learn about the fantastic benefits of flossing and how it can prove beneficial for your overall health.


What Is Flossing?


Flossing is the act of gently moving a cord of thin filaments over and between your teeth. Dentists recommend it, and if you want to improve your oral health – it’s high time you start flossing.


Indications To Floss


Honestly, there are no specific symptoms that should compel you to floss. However, certain conditions can be resolved once and for all if you start flossing your teeth.


Here is when you should consider flossing your teeth:


  • You have a foul breath odour
  • Your teeth are visibly becoming yellow

Usually, when people notice this, they want to fix this as soon as possible. Flossing can play a significant role in curbing these problems and promoting dental health.


Benefits Of Flossing

 

floss is boss vector image

 

If you’re an advocate of oral health and want to have your original teeth even if you’re 90 – regular flossing with regular brushing would be an incredible idea.


1. Say No To Bad Breath!


We are eating the whole day. Be it the meals, brunches, or random snacks we eat every once in a while. If these food particles become trapped, they will get contaminated by the bacteria and cause you to have a foul-smelling breath. So, to get rid of the bad breath and regain your confidence, start flossing today!


2. Prevents Plaque Formation


We all know that bacteria are living in our mouths. When these bacteria get a chance to mix with sugary or starchy food, they produce plaque. 


Plaque is a colourless and sticky substance that usually builds up on your teeth and gums. Due to plaque formation, not only do your teeth turn yellow, but it also breaks through your teeth enamel and facilitates the development of cavities.


Apart from its adverse effects on the teeth, it can also profoundly damage your gum leading to gum diseases. To prevent these conditions, regular flossing along with brushing your teeth twice a day can prove to be very beneficial.


3. Excellent For The Gums


We often forget about our gums and are eventually surprised when we develop gum disease. Gum problems like bleeding gums are the most commonly reported issue. However, adding a few items to your diet and regular flossing can resolve this in just a matter of time. 


If you floss every day, you make sure to keep your mouth clean and free of any trouble-causing bacteria. When the bacteria don’t find a favourable environment to thrive, they cannot damage your gums and cause life-long problems.


4. Prevents Tooth Decay


Tooth cavities that eventually lead to tooth decay affect your appearance and are a painful process as well. If you want to keep your teeth from developing cavities and eventually decaying, you should floss regularly.

Flossing ensures that all the unwanted food particles are no longer in your mouth so that the bacteria don’t have any food remnants to act upon.


When To Floss?


You can floss whenever you want to. However, if you’re a beginner, you should floss your teeth at night as it will take you some time to get used to it. Usually, people prefer to floss at night because they can do it with concentration and notice the difference.


How To Floss Correctly?

 

happy black man flossing teeth using dental floss

 

A lot of you don’t know how to floss correctly. As a result, many individuals develop problems due to flossing and eventually stop flossing. 


You should know that flossing should be done gently. Don’t try to rush with the process or move to floss too harshly against your teeth or gums. If you do this, there are high chances for you to damage your teeth and gums instead of taking care of them. 


Here’s how you can floss correctly:


  • Firstly, take at least 18 inches of dental floss and then wrap it around the middle fingers of your hands. Wrap it all except the 1-2 inches you will be using to floss your teeth and gums.
  • Hold the floss with your thumbs and index fingers and make sure it’s taut.
  • Now, gently place the dental floss between your teeth and gently glide it up and down. This will ensure thorough cleaning of the sides of your teeth. Don’t try to glide it through the gums – it may cause bleeding.
  • For the gums, make sure to make a C shape with your floss before you floss your gums. This shape of the dental floss allows it to enter the space between your teeth and gums, freeing it of any unwanted food particles.
  • Repeat the process as you move from one tooth to the other. Make sure to do this entire process with very soft hands to don’t bruise your gums.
  • For every new tooth, use a new section of the dental floss.

Don’t make flossing a stressful event for you or your mouth. Instead, make sure to floss when you’re free and not in a hurry to prevent any mishaps.


Conclusion


This article covered the benefits of flossing and how you can floss your teeth correctly. By flossing, we assure you that you will see noticeable changes in the appearance of your teeth. So if you want white teeth, a breath that doesn’t smell and improved oral health – pick up your dental floss right now!