Does Flossing Really Matter?
If you've ever skipped flossing and wondered whether it really makes a difference, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we hear at Highmark Dental. The short answer is yes, it matters, and here's why.
What Your Toothbrush Can't Reach
Your toothbrush is great at cleaning the front, back, and top surfaces of your teeth. But it can't get between them. That tight space where two teeth touch is a favorite hiding spot for food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Over time, that buildup can lead to cavities between teeth or irritated, puffy gums right at the point where the teeth meet.
Brushing alone typically only cleans about half of each tooth's surface. The other half, the part between your teeth, needs floss or a similar tool to get clean.
What Happens If You Skip It
Most people who don't floss regularly don't notice a problem right away. That's part of what makes it easy to skip. But plaque left between teeth can harden into tartar, which your toothbrush can't remove at all. Over months and years, this can contribute to gum irritation, bad breath, and decay in spots that are hard to catch early because you can't see them in the mirror.
If you've noticed your gums bleed when you floss, that's usually a sign of inflammation from plaque buildup, not a sign you should stop flossing. In fact, it's often a sign you need to floss more consistently, not less. If the bleeding doesn't improve after a week or two of regular flossing, it's worth having one of our team members take a look.
Flossing Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Traditional string floss works well, but it's not the only option. If you find it awkward or hard on your hands, there are floss picks and other adjuncts that can make it easier. The best tool is the one you'll actually use every day.
A simple routine looks like this: gently slide the floss between two teeth, curve it against one tooth in a C shape, and slide it up and down a few times before moving to the next tooth. You don't need to be rough, just thorough. Doing this once a day, ideally before bed, is enough for most people.
Small Habit, Big Payoff
Flossing takes less than two minutes a day, but it protects the parts of your smile that brushing simply can't reach. It's one of the easiest ways to help your teeth and gums stay healthy between dental visits.
If you're not sure whether your flossing technique is doing the job, or if you've noticed changes in your gums, our team at Highmark Dental is happy to take a look and offer some pointers. Dr. Shannon Skiba and our team see patients throughout Jonesboro and Clayton County and love helping folks build habits that actually stick.
Give us a call at (770) 478-1001 to schedule your next cleaning, and we'll check in on how things are going between your teeth, not just on them.
Serving families across the area
Highmark Dental welcomes patients from Jonesboro and nearby communities: