Daily Use of Dental Floss

Do you use dental floss at least once a day? We certainly hope you answered yes to this question. If not, our team strongly encourages you to do so, as it is an essential tool for maintaining good oral health. In the article below, we explain why and share three good reasons to use it every day.

Dental Floss: An Essential Complement to Brushing

Some people believe that dental floss is only for removing pieces of food stuck between the teeth. That is not really the case. Dental floss is essential for removing food debris and dental plaque that settle in the spaces between the teeth. These interdental spaces represent about one-third of the total surface area of the dentition.

So, if you neglect to floss at least once a day, you leave the bacteria in plaque completely free to spread. It is a bit like failing to clean one tooth out of three. Below are three good reasons to use dental floss every day to support your oral health.

When Should You Use Dental Floss?

Dental floss should be used at least once a day. It is recommended to do it before brushing your teeth. This helps remove the debris loosened by flossing during brushing. The toothpaste can then better reach the spaces between the teeth, which improves its protective effect against cavities.

Flossing before your evening brushing is recommended, as it removes food debris and plaque accumulated throughout the day. This allows you to go to bed with a clean smile and reduces the risk of bacteria attacking the teeth overnight.

Proper Technique:

• Take a length of floss equal to the size of your forearm.
• Wrap the floss around the middle finger on each hand, then hold it between your index fingers and thumbs.
• Slide a small section of floss between two teeth and move it up and down, forming a C shape around the tooth to follow its contour.
• Repeat between each tooth, on both sides, to thoroughly clean all interdental spaces.
• Follow with effective brushing for clean and healthy teeth.

Three Good Reasons to Use Dental Floss Daily

• To prevent cavities between teeth: Cavities often form in the interdental spaces due to a lack of daily flossing. Making this a habit helps prevent unwanted cavities.
• To avoid tartar buildup and gum disease: Tartar is a hardened deposit that forms when dental plaque is not removed daily. It calcifies when in contact with saliva, becoming very hard. As it often accumulates under the gum line, tartar is directly linked to gingivitis. Using dental floss at least once a day helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar.
• To keep your breath fresh: By removing plaque and food debris from between the teeth, you eliminate bacterial nests. When bacteria multiply in large numbers, they release volatile compounds that cause bad breath. This is yet another excellent reason to make flossing a daily habit.