7 Most common excuses for Not Flossing and tips to master them.
We all know that flossing teeth is important to maintain the overall hygiene of your teeth. According to a study done in 2012, brushing removes only 42% of the plaque [1]. So this makes it even more important for you to use additional cleaning aids to make sure you keep cavity and gum problems at bay. But I routinely encounter patients coming up with different excuses to not floss. So, I have collected the top 7 common excuses and tips and tricks to master them.
Sure, you have excuses, but we have simple answers for them all.
Excuse No. 1: I do not have a food lodgement problem so why should I floss?
The main reason for flossing isn’t to remove lodged food from between the teeth but to remove plaque. Flossing every day would prevent gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
Excuse No. 2: I Do Not Know How to Floss
It is “the most difficult thing to do especially when you are tired at night,” said Mr. Ram Narayan (my patient). But it is important to learn how to floss properly.
Use the following tips to improve your flossing technique:
- Use 18 inches of floss. Wrap a major part of it around the middle finger of one hand, the rest around your other middle finger.
- Hold the floss between your thumb and forefinger, and gently guide it between teeth.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, form a curve around the teeth to follow the shape of the tooth.
- Hold the floss firmly against the tooth, and gently move it up and down as in the picture.
- Repeat the same with the other side, and then repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth.
- Wrap the used part of the floss on the other middle finger and always use the fresh sections of floss on each surface of the tooth to avoid transferring plaque and its bacteria to other parts.
Do not forget to floss at the back of your last molars. Most cavities and gum disease start in the back teeth.
Excuse No. 3: I am unable to floss on the back of my teeth
If you find it difficult to floss at the back of your mouth, ask your dentist about:
- Plastic disposable handled floss that allows for extra reach.
- Small, round interdental brushes only if the gap between teeth is more.
- Water flossers are a great way to floss. It is simple and less time-consuming.
A child will need your help flossing until he/she is 11 years old. Kids should start flossing when they have two teeth that touch.
Excuse No. 4: I Don’t Have Time!!
Flossing should be done at least once a day. Ideally, it should be scheduled before night brushing. (Oh my god yes, you need to start brushing in the night as well). You should floss even if nothing gets stuck. If you tend to forget, then try and store it near your toothbrush stand. Stash some flossers even in your bag so that you can do it at any time of the day. The key is to floss at least once a day whenever it works for you.
Excuse No. 5: Flossing Hurts
Flossing generally is not a painful procedure. If it hurts then probably you may not be doing it correctly. Refer to the above points or watch YouTube videos to understand the technique correctly. If your gums are still bleeding, you may already have gum disease. That is an even bigger reason for you to floss. Talk to your dentist to understand the reason for the bleeding.
Excuse No. 6: I am Pregnant
It may be hard to floss if you are tired or nauseated. But it is important to keep up with your brushing and flossing routine as gums tend to get sorer because of hormonal variations if your oral hygiene is not up to the mark.
Excuse No. 7: My Teeth Are Too Close to each other
Try waxed floss for an easier experience. An example of waxed floss is Colgate floss. Sometimes the floss shreds as you try to pass it between teeth. This may be because of a cavity or some problem with previous dental work such as a broken crown or fractured filling. Get it checked by your nearest dentist.
References:
- Slot D.E., Wiggelinkhuizen L., Rosema N.A., Van der Weijden G.A. The efficacy of manual toothbrushes following a brushing exercise: A systematic review. Int. J. Dent. Hyg. 2012;10:187–197. doi: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2012.00557.x.
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Dr. Shruti is a Periodontist and Implantolgist with a decade of experience in providing patients with painfree dental treatments. She completed her BDS in 2014 from Maharashtra University of health Sciences and MDS from Rohtak University, Gurgaon. She has experience in patient management from different cultural and regional background as she has worked in Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Indianapolis (USA). Additionally, she has done extensive research on bone regeneration from Indianapolis (USA). She has several national and international papers to her credit. As a Periodontist, she is well-trained in Laser Dentistry and is expert on diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases. Know more about her. Click here