Why is flossing good

Think about getting a sliver in your finger. We get swelling and soreness, and when we squeeze the sliver out it bleeds. This is the body's way of healing, and the same is true for the gums. We might have swelling, soreness, or bleeding in the gums, especially after flossing.

This is how our body's inflammation response works. Much like the sliver in your finger, your body is trying to irrigate the food, plaque, and bacteria in your gums with this inflammation and bleeding. When we mechanically stimulate our gums by flossing, it triggers this inflammation response. A lot of my patients tell me that they don't floss because it makes their gums bleed. You may have heavier bleeding at first, but the more you floss, the less bleeding you will have.

There are many benefits to flossing, and once you work it into your routine, the time it takes you to floss goes down, and your mouth and gums will be healthier, causing them to no longer bleed. Not flossing allows harmful plaque and bacteria to grow in the mouth.

Some bacteria can lead to cavities over time. However, gingivitis or gum inflammation can develop in the mouth from plaque and bacteria after only a few days. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education.

Top Articles. Why Is Flossing Important? Failing to clean between your teeth adequately may contribute to: Tartar : Removing plaque regularly is vital to your oral health as left on your teeth, plaque will harden into tartar. Once this occurs, you will not be able to clean it on your own but will require the help of your dental professional. Gum disease : Plaque and tartar can contribute to your gums becoming sensitive, inflamed, and red: symptoms of gum disease.

The sooner you start flossing, the better. Early-stage gum disease also known as gingivitis is reversible, but later-stage gum disease also known as periodontitis is not. Cavities : Tooth decay from plaque can create holes also known as dental caries in your teeth's hard outer layer, known as the enamel. Left untreated, this can lead to pain, infection, and other oral health problems. Methods to properly clean between your teeth may include: Traditional floss : Also called string floss, this variety comes waxed or unwaxed in a long spool.

You can remove sections at a time and thread them between your index fingers before use. An interdental brush : These helpful tools are similar to small toothbrushes.

Floss Hater? What Are the Benefits of Flossing? Flossing provides several benefits: Prevents Tooth Loss : Generally, brushing and flossing work together to preserve dental health. Brushing and flossing promote healthy gums and teeth, helping to prevent oral diseases and tooth loss.

An Opportunity to Examine Your Mouth : Regular flossing can help you examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue more closely for changes including any redness, soreness, or swelling. Bleeding with flossing is often one of the first signs of gingivitis and should prompt you to call for an immediate dental hygiene visit and exam.

Keeps Your Teeth Clean : Do you eat dried fruits, sticky candies, or crunchy foods? The food particles can often get stuck between teeth. All surfaces of the teeth need to be cleaned as perfectly as possible every 24 hours. Also, dried fruits are rich in sugar which can encourage plaque buildup and result in tooth decay. Fortunately, flossing will help keep your teeth clean, regardless of what you eat.

What Does Flossing Do? Prevents Gums Disease Plaque on your teeth does not just stain your teeth but also can lead to gum disease. However, flossing cleans the plaque between your teeth and helps to avoid: Receding gums Bleeding gums Tooth and bone loss 2. Prevents Heart Disease Your gums might bleed if you do not floss and this is a sign of gingivitis.

Reduces Bad Breath The buildup of plaque and bacteria causes bad breath. Prevents Tooth Decay Sticky candies or dry fruits trapped between your teeth can result in cavity-causing plaque after a few days, further resulting in tooth decay. The first floss was patented in by which time dentists were recommending the practice.

Currently in the US, studies which evaluate the benefits of flossing can be funded and directed by flossing manufacturers. If done improperly, flossing can cause damage to gums, teeth, and dental work, according to the AP investigation.

Sometimes, flossing can also cause harmful bacteria to be released into your bloodstream which could lead to an infection. Even sceptics of flossing say cleaning between your teeth is good for you. A Dutch periodontist who has conducted flossing studies says he uses a toothpick. The British Dental Association said: "Small inter-dental brushes are best for cleaning the area in between the teeth, where there is space to do so.

US National Institutes of Health dentist Tim Iafolla said when purely looking at the science "it would be appropriate to drop the floss guidelines". We know there's a possibility that it works, so we feel comfortable telling people to go ahead and do it. Several other countries still recommend flossing: the Argentine Ministry of Health , for instance, says people should "clean between all your teeth everyday with dental floss or a similar product".

And the Australian Dental Association recommends that all people over years-old should floss.