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Raise your hand if you’ve ever lied to your dentist when they ask you about your flossing habits. You’re not alone.

Your dentist will tell you that you should be flossing your teeth every single day. However, that’s not the case for most people. Most people probably don’t even brush their teeth correctly twice a day, and flossing is one more chore. However, most people have issues with cavities, plaque, and gingivitis that they tend to ignore.

Why is flossing so important? Well, even the best toothbrushes can only get so much out of your teeth. Food, bacteria, and plaque accumulate in the areas of your gums and the crevices between your teeth. (If your teeth aren’t perfectly straight, there’s even more likelihood that bad germs are hiding in between!)

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your teeth and your gums. When bacteria and buildup get left behind, it creeps up into your gums and causes gingivitis, which is the fancy name for gum disease. Gum disease, when left untreated, isn’t just bad for your mouth. It travels into your bloodstream and can cause serious health issues, such as cardiovascular problems.

The CDC reports that over half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. This only gets worse as people age, so the sooner you improve your flossing habits, the better.

If taking care of your health isn’t motivation enough, flossing will help take care of your wallet, too! Cavities and gum disease caused by lack of flossing can mean expensive dental visits and procedures in later years. Even when people have quality dental insurance (and not everyone does), co-pays for those treatments add up fast.

Flossing your teeth doesn’t have to be difficult! Choose the type that fits your lifestyle best.

• Waxed or unwaxed original floss – save money and don’t accumulate a lot of plastic waste
• Superfloss – good for people with braces, bridges, or wide gaps in their teeth
• Water or air flossers – use air or water to get into the crevices of your teeth
• Single-use flossers –get deep into the back sections of your mouth without squeezing your fingers back there and wondering if you’re doing it right

If you haven’t flossed your teeth in a long time or you’re already dealing with early-stage gum disease, you might notice a little bit of pain or bleeding when you floss. This is normal, and it will go away as your gums begin to heal.

Floss before you brush your teeth at night to loosen up any particles that can then be removed more easily when you brush. Keep your preferred method of flosser on the counter next to your toothbrush—this will make it easier to remember to floss your teeth and soon, it’ll be part of your dental hygiene routine.

Next time you go to the dentist and you tell them about your good flossing habits, your teeth and your conscience will be clean!

Those who want to have excellent dental health need to make sure regular flossing is part of their routine, along with brushing and visiting the dentist for checkups. While it might initially seem that all floss is the same, that’s not the case at all. There are many different options when it comes to dental floss, and you will want to be sure you are choosing the right one.

Benefits of Flossing

Flossing serves as preventative dental care, and it helps to reduce not just food in the teeth but also bacteria. It can get to places in your mouth that regular brushing just can’t reach. When you floss, you will also be able to prevent tartar build-up on the teeth. Plaque tends to accumulate quickly, and when it isn’t removed, it could harden and become tartar. When you floss each day, it helps remove the plaque from your teeth.

One of the other reasons you will want to floss regularly is because it can help to prevent bad breath. The food and bacteria can start to create a terrible odor, and flossing helps to remove this. Of course, flossing along with brushing will help you have better overall dental health, and it could prevent gum disease.

Types of Floss

You need to be sure you are using the right type of floss for your mouth and needs, of course. When you have the right floss, it can make a difference in how well it works. Let’s get a closer look at some of the options.

Waxed Floss

This is one of the most common options and the style that most people typically think about when it comes to flossing. This will work nicely for those who have teeth that are sitting tightly near one another. It is typically made from nylon, and it has a thin wax layer coating that helps it slide between your teeth easily.

You can often find the waxed floss in different flavors, such as mint or cinnamon, which can help to freshen your breath. You can find unwaxed floss, too, but this isn’t as strong and will snap easier.

Dental Tape

Another option to consider is dental tape. It is a good choice for those who have more space between their teeth. The tape is wider than normal floss. You can find this option either waxed or unwaxed. Again, the waxed tends to be stronger. This type of floss is often used for those who have dental appliances and dental work done, including things like crowns and bridges.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are another option that a lot of people like. They are especially useful for those who are on the move a lot. They are handy, and they can help you reach into some areas that might otherwise be difficult. However, you should use these only on occasion according to most experts because the same small piece of floss is used for the entire mouth. They can work in a pinch though, and when you don’t have access to standard waxed or unwaxed floss. Some people might like these floss picks if they have trouble holding and using traditional floss. You might want to choose the picks for when you are at work.

Find Your Floss

Of course, if you still aren’t sure which type of floss might be a good solution for you, consider talking with a dentist. The experts at Foutz Family Dentistry can help you find the best floss. Get into the habit of brushing and flossing regularly and it will improve your dental health.