Our Dental Blog

Your dental team in Kansas City, MO loves to answer questions about oral health. The more knowledgeable you are, the better you can take care of your smile. Many people have questions about flossing (the oral hygiene technique, not the popular dance move!) and many people are afraid to ask these questions. According to National Public Radio, only about 4 in 10 Americans flosses on a daily basis. If a lack of knowledge is keeping you in the 6 of 10 Americans who do not floss every day, keep reading to gain the answers as to why you should do it.

Q: What Should I Use To Floss?

There are lots of varieties of floss out there. There are different flavors, thicknesses, traditional style floss, floss pickers, etc. The first important recommendation is to use an ADA (American Dental Association) recommended product to floss. Do not try to floss with non-floss objects. It can lead to serious injury. Traditional floss is more hygienic, as a floss picker can spread bacteria from one tooth to another. The most important thing is to use whatever type of floss will inspire you to floss.

Q: Do I Brush or Floss First?

There is no hard and fast rule on this. Again, the most important thing is to go with the order that will inspire you to floss. If you will remember to floss only if you do it before you brush, do that and vice versa.

Q: What If I Can’t Get Back That Far?

Certain areas of your mouth can be hard to reach with floss. Rather than letting that deter you from flossing, try talking to your dentist or oral hygienist about it during your next cleaning. They can give you personalized tips on how to reach problem areas of your smile. Flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay; it is important that you try to do it at least once every day.

Do You Have Questions About Flossing?

Talk to your dentist if you have questions about flossing or anything else related to your smile’s health. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.