How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth?

How does flossing work?

To remove plaque (the sticky white film which contains bacteria) and even calculus, your toothbrush can only do so much.

Brushing alone can’t penetrate the areas between your teeth unfortunately.

And that’s where the floss comes to the rescue.

Flossing helps to cleanse and eradicate the bugs between your teeth.  These nasty bacteria feed on sugar and food particles that linger in our mouth after eating. In the process, they emit acids which destroy your enamel (the strong white outer layer of your teeth) and create cavities.

That is not all.

The plaque that is not washed away will also gradually harden into calculus (tartar) that can accumulate on the gum line and lead to gingivitis and gum disease.

So, in order to get rid of these diseases, we need to do flossing, but how often should we floss?

And do you get it right?

Flossing can sound like an unnecessary activity, but it can make all the difference to your dental health. Here’s what you need to know about how to create a good flossing routine.

How often should I floss my teeth?

Cleaning your teeth every day is easy. Twice a day, you brush your teeth’s noticeable surfaces, they look clean, done.

But what about the hard to reach areas between your teeth? And their nasty consequences we discussed.

According to dental governing bodies, including the American and Australian Dental Associations, for optimal elimination of plaque, bacteria and food waste, flossing should be done at least once a day.

This helps to avoid cavities and gum disease.

It also can help your overall health with some studies suggesting people who brush their teeth and floss regularly living longer.

Win win, right?

Ideal Flossing Technique

It takes a bit of time to learn to floss your teeth, but typically it is easy once you know how.

Types of dental floss

Firstly, buy a good quality dental floss.

Ok good quality, but there are so many types, which one do I choose?

True, there are a few types and numerous brands. While they will all do a good job, there are some important things to consider when choosing the type of dental floss.

Standard floss includes waxed and unwaxed floss. Both types are usually thin and made of nylon.

They both have advantages and disadvantages. Unwaxed are thinner and may fit into tighter gaps between teeth but can rip. Waxed floss is less likely to rip but the wax surrounding could make it harder to use in tighter areas in between teeth.

I personally prefer waxed but it is up to you.

Other types of floss or alternatives include dental tape which is wider and flat (useful for people with more wider gaps between teeth) and floss cut out and attached to handles designed to make it easier to use.

Maybe try a few and see which is easier for you to use.

How do I use the floss?

Dentists recommend firstly, cutting off a strip of floss about 40 to 50cm long and wrapping much of the floss around the middle finger of both of your hands (other fingers could work as well, you can vary it up).

Next, grab the floss between both hands – you can use your index fingers and thumbs (or just thumbs) and slip the string between two of your teeth.

Be gentle and take your time. Move the floss down or up slowly and gradually until it meets the gum line.

Then, angle and slide it softly under the gum next to one tooth. Similarly, repeat, cleaning the adjacent tooth. To clean the surfaces between your teeth, firmly pass the floss up and down against your tooth.

After one area is done, slide the floss out, then using a fresh segment of floss between your hands.

Move between your teeth, top and bottom, unwinding a clean piece of floss with any fresh gap between your teeth.

If you experience any pain, sensitivity, frequent bleeding or food getting stuck, and especially if happens regularly, ensure you speak to your dentist. This should be in addition to you regular scheduled dental check up.

We recommend always flossing around the time of brushing and ensure to use a reputable fluoride containing toothpaste.

When Is the Best Time to Floss?

The most effective moment to floss is when your teeth are brushed, whether it be in the morning or at night.

Time of day for flossing largely depends on your preferences and when it is more convenient.

Some would argue evenings make more sense as the fluoride will remain in contact with teeth longer in this case.

Should I floss before or after brushing my teeth?

What order you ask.

According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, flossing first and then brushing subsequently is more efficient in extracting maximum plaque from between the teeth and in preserving fluoride content from the toothpaste on the enamel of your teeth.

Ultimately though in the end, it is up to you as it is more important to get it done rather than the order.

How often do you floss your teeth?

Would you recommend anything different to the above?

Let me know in the comments below.

The text written in this article about frequency of flossing is meant for general purposes only and it is not to be used in any way as medical or dental advice. Refer to your dentist for all oral care advice. If you have any symptoms or concerns, consult a doctor or dentist in addition. Ensure you completely understand and agree with the terms of use of howoftenshould.com prior to using.