I know most people have good intentions, but for some reason flossing seems to be a difficult habit for the majority of people to form.  Despite advice, recommendations and warnings from dentists about the importance of regular flossing, many people acknowledge they still don't do it.  Admittedly, there are several who take up the habit a day or two before they come in to have their teeth cleaned in hopes that no one will know of their negligence!  Otherwise it’s typical to leave all of the plaque and debris between our teeth on a daily basis.
Flossing removes plaque—a sticky, germ-containing substance that builds up on your teeth and gums to cause gum disease—as well as debris that can adhere to teeth and gums and in between teeth. Floss is the single most important weapon against plaque. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. By stimulating your gums with flossing, you can decrease your chances of developing gum problems.
The reasons patients cite for not flossing are many, but lack of time is the most common. Often patients feel guilty about not flossing daily, and some abandon the practice all together, but don’t give up, even two or three times a week has its benefits, and is far better than not flossing at all.  I tell patients they don't have to make flossing a 20-minute routine in front of the mirror, but floss correctly by sliding the floss against the side surfaces of the teeth--not just sliding it in between the teeth. Once you are familiar with flossing, floss when and where you have time. You can even keep floss near your living room chair and do it while watching television.  I’ve had patients report they stopped flossing because they noticed their gums bleed when they floss.  Bad idea, if the gums are bleeding, that means there are germs and inflammation in there. You should continue flossing, and the bleeding will usually stop within a week or two.  Many people say they can’t get both hands and the floss in their mouth at once, or there are those who don't floss due to arthritis or lack of dexterity.  If this it the case, you can try specially designed plastic holders for dental floss that will facilitate your efforts.  I thought I might give a refresher course on flossing since it’s easy to forget something when we don’t do it every day!

HOW TO FLOSS

1. Wrap the ends of an 18" to 24" section of floss around your middle fingers.

2. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers.  Leave about 1" of floss between your hands.

3. Gently work the floss between your teeth. When you reach the gumline, curve it forward into a “C” shape around the tooth, making sure to go below the gumline, then do the same thing going backward on the adjacent tooth.

4. Gently glide the floss up and down several times between each tooth, including your back teeth. Apply pressure against the tooth while flossing. Unwind new floss as needed.

As I mentioned, your gums may bleed for the first week until the plaque layer is broken up, bacteria are removed, and your gums heal.

I know it may not be a lot of fun, but believe me, if you get in the habit of flossing you can tell the difference in the way your mouth feels when you miss and you won’t want to skip a day!  Have a great week.