Flossing incorrectly can do more harm than good to your teeth and gums. Learn about 6 common flossing mistakes and how to avoid them
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your teeth and gums, removing plaque and other buildup between your teeth. If you floss incorrectly, however, it can lead to problems such as:
- Gum disease
- Periodontal disease
- Gingivitis (red, swollen, and irritated gums)
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Toothache
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Tooth and bone loss (in severe cases)
Recent studies have also reported an association between advanced gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even stomach cancer.
6 common flossing mistakes
- Flossing too often: Flossing too often can put you at a risk of gum tissue damage and increased sensitivity. To maintain oral hygiene without damaging your gums, it is recommended to floss once a day before bedtime.
- Flossing too hard: Be gentle during the flossing process. If you apply too much pressure, it can cause your gums to bleed and lead to other dental health issues.
- Moving too quickly: Moving too quickly from tooth to tooth means that you risk not cleaning in between your teeth thoroughly enough. Floss each side of your mouth for at least 10 seconds to make sure to remove tartar plaque buildup.
- Snapping the floss: Avoid snapping the floss to prevent damage to gum tissues. While it may be satisfying to get deep in the crevices, don’t pull the floss straight down onto the gums, as this can do more harm than good.
- Not cleaning under the gum line: Don’t forget to clean under your gum line. Move the floss firmly below the gum line on both sides of each tooth to get rid of any debris.
- Quitting at the sight of blood: Sometimes, you may see some blood when flossing, especially if you haven’t flossed regularly. If your gums are bleeding, this could be a sign of gum inflammation and plaque buildup, which is exactly why you need to keep flossing.
Why is flossing important?
According to the American Dental Association, flossing is an essential part of good dental hygiene.
Flossing dislodges pieces of food or other debris that can lead to plaque (a soft layer of bacteria) formation in between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach and thus helps prevent cavities and gum diseases.
Although flossing should be an important part of your daily oral care routine, it should not be a replacement for brushing teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time, rinsing with a mouthwash, and seeing regularly for professional cleanings.
How to floss correctly
- Break off approximately 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers, while winding the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand, which can take up the dirty and used part of the floss.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers of both hands.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion, avoiding snapping the floss into the gums.
- Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss up and down by holding it tightly against the tooth.
- Repeat this motion on the rest of your teeth.
