Dental Flossing: Why It’s Essential For Great Oral Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for both your oral and overall health, and dental flossing plays a key role alongside regular dental hygiene treatments. While brushing twice a day is a widely adopted habit, many people still underestimate the importance of flossing.
At our Banbury dental clinic, we often see patients who brush diligently but still develop gum disease or persistent bad breath – issues that could often be prevented with consistent flossing and professional hygiene care. In this blog, we’ll explore why dental flossing matters, how to do it correctly, and the potential consequences of neglecting it.
Flossing: More Than Just Cleaning Between Teeth
Flossing does far more than simply remove food particles from between your teeth – it supports a holistic approach to oral and overall health. Flossing reaches areas that toothbrushes simply can’t – especially the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline.
According to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, a working group from the 11th European Workshop on Periodontology (2015) concluded that cleaning between teeth is essential to reduce the risk of progressing periodontal (gum) disease. Given that the majority of adults show some signs of this condition, regular interdental cleaning – such as flossing, is considered a sensible and effective preventive measure.
1. Removes plaque and food debris
- Prevents plaque build-up between teeth
- Reduces the risk of cavities in hard-to-reach areas
- Keeps your breath fresh by eliminating trapped food particles
2. Prevents gum disease
- Daily flossing helps reduce inflammation
- Removes bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis
3. Protects your overall health
- Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions
- A healthy mouth supports a healthy body
Why Should You Floss Your Teeth Regularly?
Most private dentists agree that flossing daily is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing common issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Throughout the day, your teeth and gums are exposed to millions of germs and bacteria, not just from food and drink, but also from surprising habits like holding items in your mouth (even phones, car keys, and credit cards – we’ve all done it!).
When you consider just how many bacteria make their way into your mouth, it’s easy to see why both brushing and flossing are so important.
At 41 South Bar private dental practice in Banbury, we recommend flossing at least once a day to help remove food particles, built-up plaque, and harmful bacteria that your toothbrush might miss.
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How To Floss Properly – Expert Tips From Your Banbury Private Dentist
Did you know flossing before brushing is the ideal sequence? Flossing first helps dislodge hidden food particles, plaque, and tartar between your teeth. Brushing afterwards ensures those loosened particles are effectively cleared away, leaving your mouth feeling cleaner and fresher.
Here’s how to floss correctly, step by step:
- Measure your floss – Take a piece of dental floss about the length of your forearm (roughly 18 inches). Wrap most of it around your middle fingers on both hands, leaving around 2 inches in the middle to work with
- Hold it firmly – Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, keeping it taut and steady
- Gently guide the floss – Slide the floss carefully between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion. Avoid snapping it down onto your gums, as this can cause irritation or bruising
- Shape the floss – Curve the floss around the base of each tooth in a C shape. This lets you gently clean just beneath the gumline without damaging the delicate tissue
- Use a fresh section – Move to a clean part of the floss as you go from tooth to tooth to avoid spreading plaque or bacteria around your mouth
Pro Tip: If you find regular floss hard to use, try floss picks or water flossers – these can be just as effective when used properly.
Looking after young smiles too
Teaching children how to floss and care for their teeth can be tricky, but we’re here to help. Our dental team of experts are skilled in creating a safe and relaxing environment to help look after and educate you and your family on oral hygiene with our oral health checks and services. For more information, read our article ‘5 tips to maintain great oral health.’
Choosing The Right Tool For Cleaning Between Your Teeth
Flossing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’ve got tight teeth, sensitive gums, or wear braces, choosing the right tool can make a big difference to your daily routine. Below is a quick comparison to help you find the flossing method that best suits your needs:
| Flossing Tool | Best For | Key Benefit |
| Traditional dental floss | Tight gaps between teeth | Affordable and highly effective |
| Floss picks | Beginners and quick flossing | Convenient and easy to hold |
| Interdental Brushes | Wider gaps, gum care | Effective for removing plaque near the gumline, but may not fit very tight gaps |
| Water flosser | Braces, dental implants, or sensitive gums | Gentle and easy to use |
Dental Flossing – Frequently Asked Questions
We often hear questions from our patients, friends, and even online about the dos and don’ts of flossing. Here, we answer some of the most common queries to help clear things up.
Q1) Does flossing create gaps in teeth?
A) Flossing doesn’t create gaps – it removes plaque and food debris that may have been masking your teeth’s natural spacing. If anything, regular flossing helps prevent gaps caused by gum disease.
Q2) Is mouthwash better than flossing?
A) Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, but it can’t physically remove plaque between teeth like floss does. Flossing is essential for deep cleaning those hard-to-reach areas.
Q3) How much plaque can flossing actually remove?
A) According to the American Dental Association, up to 80% of plaque can be removed through proper flossing. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your gums and prevent tartar build-up.
Q4) What age should kids start flossing?
A) Children should begin flossing as soon as their teeth touch, usually between the ages of two and six. Starting early helps form healthy habits and protects against cavities between teeth.
Book Your Private Dental Appointment Today
Looking for trusted, high-quality private dental care in Banbury? We’re proud to provide award-winning general dentistry in a relaxed and welcoming environment. If you’re unsure how to floss properly or want to check your gum health, book an appointment with our experienced dental team today and see how we can help you.