7 Most common excuses for not Flossing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. 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.