Do I really have to floss my teeth?

No one has to use dental floss – it’s a matter of choice, and, depends on what you want to achieve.

Most people use dental floss to remove food debris and bacteria from in-between their teeth. Other’s do it to avoid bad breath. Some people do it because it boosts their confidence and makes them less anxious about going to the dentist. Some people do it because it results in less bleeding from their gums, some people use floss after every single meal.

Avoiding bad breath and bleeding gums are the main reasons people floss their teeth.

Oral health is linked to general health and one of the most cherished things on the planet is a smile. Nothing gives people more confidence that a gorgeous smile. Gum health does however come at a price, which is dedicated daily oral hygiene aided by some regular professional support from the dental team.

Tooth brushes are an essential part of the oral hygiene ritual, however, they don’t reach into the spaces between teeth and they alone are not enough to prevent bad breath and bleeding gums. Interdental cleaning is necessary and dental Flossing is the most refined and elegant way of doing it. When done correctly, it’s very effective.

Dental flossing is not a skill one is born with, it has to be learnt. The training is usually provided by a dental therapist, a dental hygienist or a dental oral health educator. They show patients how it’s done. The doing of it requires time to be set aside. It’s usual for it to be done after the last meal of the day before going to bed – which makes perfect sense.

People who get used to seeing the gunck that floss removes from in-between their teeth can’t sleep without doing it.