How to Floss Your Teeth
Most people brush twice a day—and that’s great. But if you're skipping flossing, you're leaving about 35% of your tooth surface untouched. That’s like washing only two-thirds of your car and expecting it to shine. Brushing handles the easy part, but flossing in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME is what reaches the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque loves to hide.
At Gentle Dental, we hear it all the time: “I floss… when I remember.” But the truth is, flossing isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Why Flossing Your Teeth Really Matters
Flossing does what your toothbrush can’t. It removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gumline. When those tight spaces go uncleaned, it can lead to:
- Cavities between teeth
- Gum inflammation or bleeding
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Long-term risk of gum disease and even tooth loss
The solution? Just a few extra minutes a day. Flossing is a small effort with big rewards.
Flossing For All Ages: A Lifelong Habit Worth Building
- For Kids
Start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as two teeth touch. Younger kids will need help, but teaching the habit early makes it stick. Floss picks can make the process easier—and more fun—for little hands.
- For Teens
Teenagers face more plaque buildup due to diet, orthodontics, and hormonal changes. Flossing becomes even more important during this stage of life. It’s a great time to reinforce the importance of consistent flossing, especially when braces aren't part of the equation. - For Adults
Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean oral care should take a back seat. If it’s been a while since you’ve flossed consistently, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start. Your gums may bleed a bit at first, but that’s a sign they need more TLC, not less.
- For Seniors
As we age, the risk of gum recession and dry mouth increases. That means more bacteria and more risk for gum disease. Flossing gently but thoroughly helps maintain gum health and preserve natural teeth.
The Right Way To Floss Your Teeth
You don’t need fancy tools—just proper technique. Here's how to get the most out of flossing:
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a couple inches to work with.
- Slide the floss between two teeth, using a gentle sawing motion—never snap it.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape against one tooth, and gently glide it up and down.
- Repeat on the other side of the gap, then move to the next tooth using a clean section of floss.
Want to keep it simple? Pre-threaded flossers or reusable floss picks are great alternatives, especially for kids or those with limited dexterity.
Common Flossing Myths—Debunked
“My gums bleed when I floss, so I stopped.”
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation—not a reason to quit. With consistent flossing, the bleeding typically stops within a week.“If I brush really well, I don’t need to floss.”
Unfortunately, even the best toothbrush can’t clean between teeth. Flossing is non-negotiable.“Flossing takes too long.”
We get it—but once you build the habit, it takes two minutes or less. That’s a small price to pay for a cleaner, healthier mouth.
The Bottom Line: Flossing Is Worth It
You brush to clean your teeth. You floss to protect them. Skipping it may not seem like a big deal in the short term, but over time, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and expensive dental work you could’ve avoided.
So, whether you’re 8 or 80, flossing is one of the best things you can do for your smile.
Ready To Step Up Your Routine?
At Gentle Dental, we’re here to help you build better habits and keep your oral health on track. Not sure you’re flossing correctly? Curious about which floss is best for you? Just ask. We’re always happy to walk you through it.
Book your next appointment today—and let’s make flossing second nature.
