We all know how important brushing is for our dental health, but many of us overlook flossing. Flossing is a technique, which involves using ultra-fine dental tape to clean the areas of the mouth that are missed when brushing.

Flossing before dental treatment

If you’re due to undergo dental treatment, we recommended brushing and flossing in advance. This will help to clean the mouth and remove potentially harmful bacteria. Flossing dislodges food debris and bacteria from the gum line and the cracks between the teeth and it can help to provide a deeper clean before treatment.

The benefits of flossing

Flossing is designed to be used in addition to twice-daily brushing as part of an effective oral hygiene routine. Flossing is beneficial for your dental health because it targets parts of the mouth that are tricky to reach with a brush, including the gaps between the teeth and the gum line. The more bacteria and debris you remove, the lower the risk of plaque developing. Plaque is a sticky film, which clings to the surfaces of the teeth and the gums. It is made from bacteria, bits of food and saliva, and it is the most potent risk factor for decay and gum disease. Flossing can help to prevent oral disease and bad breath and keep your smile looking great.

Flossing tips

If you’ve never flossed before, you may find that it takes a couple of attempts to get the hang of it. Flossing involves passing a length of dental floss through the cracks between the teeth and cleaning along your gum line. Use separate pieces of tape, and don’t tug at the floss, as this can damage the gums. It is normal for the gums to bleed when flossing for the first time, but if bleeding persists, see your dentist. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease.