Ever since you were young, you were probably taught to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day. As we grow up, we’re still pretty good at sticking to the brushing, but many people forget about flossing or feel like it’s not important. So, what’s the truth? Do we really need to floss or is it unnecessary? Should we do it every day or only to get food from between our teeth?

Let’s look at some common myths about flossing and the truths you need to know to maintain good dental health.

Flossing is to remove leftover food

Some people only floss when they’re trying to remove bits of food from between their teeth. While flossing is effective for this, it is not its only purpose. Flossing removes any bacteria and dental plaque that has built up between your teeth, helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Flossing isn’t necessary

You brush twice a day to remove the bacteria that’s built up throughout the day from all the food and drink you’ve consumed. But you can’t reach every inch of your mouth with your toothbrush, especially those tight gaps in between your teeth. So, it’s important to supplement brushing with flossing to remove the plaque and bacteria between your teeth. This helps your mouth stay healthy and can support teeth whitening.

Flossing is painful

When done correctly, flossing should not be painful unless you have a serious condition like gum disease. If it is painful or uncomfortable at first, then you may be flossing too vigorously or you might have some inflammation in your gums. If the pain continues, then you should visit your dentist to make sure your gums are healthy. They can also show you proper flossing technique.

You shouldn’t floss if it makes your gums bleed

It’s not uncommon to see a little blood when flossing, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve done it. This typically occurs due to inflammation of the gum, which can be caused by the build-up of plaque between your teeth. So, the fact that you haven’t flossed in a long time might actually be the reason that flossing is making your gums bleed. If your gums bleed excessively, then it could be a sign of gum disease, so book an appointment with your dentist.

You can’t floss if you have dental work

If you have braces, fillings, crowns, or implants, then you should still floss. It may be slightly more difficult to work around these things, but it is still possible and important to maintain your oral health with them fitted. As long as your dental work is in good condition, flossing will not damage or disrupt it.

Flossing is quick, inexpensive, and important, so there should be no reason to skip it. If you need help with flossing technique or are ready for a check-up, get in touch for dentistry in Clemmons, Lewisville, Mocksville, Winston Salem, Advance, and Bermuda Run.