Everybody has been talking about the news report that came out recently stating flossing is unnecessary. These reports say that there is no evidence proving that flossing has to be part of our daily routine. So is it really required or is flossing just a tale told by dentists and their staff.

We still recommend daily flossing in order to practice your best oral hygiene. The Canadian Dental Association continues to believe flossing is an important part of our oral hygiene practice. Flossing can remove plaque and food that brushing cannot get. This helps in the reduction of gum disease and cavities. Stopping flossing will just put you at risk for poor oral health. There are many different flossing methods you can choose from to make flossing more convenient and enjoyable. You can use regular floss, a water flosser, a floss pick, a pre-threaded flosser with a handle, interdental brushes or other options. It is important to check with your dentist before choosing an alternative flossing option to ensure you know how to use it. Flossing in some cases can cause damage if not done properly.

Flossing can be done either before or after your brush, just remember it is not something you do only when food gets stuck in your teeth. Although flossing with help remove the food that is not its only purpose. Flossing is necessary to remove plaque buildup from in between your teeth and down under the gums. Not flossing will allow this build up to sit on your teeth until you go to your dentist for a deep cleaning. Over time, plaque and tartar can cause major damage to your teeth, bone and gums. It is important to remove debris and buildup daily through thorough flossing.

Here are some tips to help you with flossing.

• Use 18-20 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around the middle fingers on each hand
• Grasp the string tightly between your thumb and forefinger, and use a see-saw motion to guide it between the teeth.   
• When the floss reaches the gum line, form a C to follow the shape of the tooth. The floss is supposed to disappear beneath the gum line. Your tooth has a natural pocket that needs to be cleaned as well.
• Hold the strand firmly against the tooth, and move it gently up and down still creating the C formation.  
• Repeat with the other tooth next to it, and then repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth. Even your very back teeth, the back surface needs to be cleaned too!      
• Use fresh sections of floss as you go.

If the standard way of flossing is difficult for you remember your dentist will help find a way that is more suited for you.

We hope that this helped debunk the myth that flossing is unnecessary. We also hope that we taught you a few of our secrets to help you maximize flossing in your oral hygiene routine!

…. Because teeth have feelings too.