“How often should you floss?”
I was flossing my teeth everyday and the doctor said that is not very good for my teeth in the long run. How often should I be flossing instead?
17 Answers
If you are flossing your teeth gently and with a finesse-based approach, then flossing even twice daily is very healthy for you. Flossing aggressively can transiently damage your gums, but I'd argue that leaving dental plaque and contaminants to stagnate on your teeth and gums is far more detrimental, long-term.
It's also fairly easy to take a gentle approach to flossing. Try to "saw" through the contact between your teeth with a side-to-side motion as you push gently toward the gums. This will help you to avoid using heavy force and colliding with the gums after you get through the tooth-to-tooth contact!
It's also fairly easy to take a gentle approach to flossing. Try to "saw" through the contact between your teeth with a side-to-side motion as you push gently toward the gums. This will help you to avoid using heavy force and colliding with the gums after you get through the tooth-to-tooth contact!
Once a day.
If you are flossing correctly, you should be flossing twice a day. I used to teach second grade. The main way students learn is by repeating what they need to know. I have worked with many hygienists. They use to say to me that they could not repeat flossing and brushing instructions to each patient. If the patient is not flossing and brushing correctly, they need instructions. The new focus is on flossing first. There is no toothbrush made that can take the place finger flossing. Those flossing tools that you buy are good for front teeth only. As you move toward your side and back teeth, these flossers CAN'T floss at the proper angle. Those teeth have to be finger flossed! Read about gum disease and ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. IF YOU DO NOT FLOSS ON A REGULAR BASIS, PREFERABLY TWICE A DAY, AND THEN BRUSH YOUR TEETH STARTING AT THE GUM LINE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR TEETH.
INFLAMMATION HAS BEEN THE BEGINNING OF MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS. THE TEETH AND EATING AND REMOVING THE PLAQUE AND FOOD PARTICLES WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM. I HAVE AN ARTICLE THAT I POSTED ON MY WEBSITE:
"FLOSS AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED UPON IT--BECAUSE IT DOES"
INFLAMMATION HAS BEEN THE BEGINNING OF MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS. THE TEETH AND EATING AND REMOVING THE PLAQUE AND FOOD PARTICLES WAS NEVER IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEM. I HAVE AN ARTICLE THAT I POSTED ON MY WEBSITE:
"FLOSS AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED UPON IT--BECAUSE IT DOES"
That is false. It is recommended to floss once a day to prevent gum distend and cavities in between you teeth! Happy flossing!
Daily.
Flossing every day, especially at the end of the day before you go to bed, and your teeth are properly brushed is necessary.
You should floss every day. But you need to be properly flossing. So, remember that you floss teeth and not your gums. So, if you are lacerating your gums while flossing, it is being done incorrectly. Visit your dentist and have them show and teach you the proper technique.
Daily is usually recommended. I prefer using a rubber tip between the teeth because it’s easier to do, and just as effective, if not more so for the health of your gums.
Most dentists will recommend daily flossing but a classic study conducted in Sweden back in the '70's showed that flossing every other day is just as effective as daily flossing.
Floss daily. I cannot understand why flossing "is not very good" for your teeth.
Once a day is quite sufficient as long as it's done accurately with good technique. I suggest to view a YouTube video if you can't get instructions from your hygienist easier. This is one of those procedures where you get more out of it the more thorough you are, not the more often you do it.
It is recommended that you floss 2x per day. The important thing is technique. If you have the wrong technique, it can lead to trauma over time.
I'm guessing the Dr that said that is not a Dentist., if so, find another. Cleaning in between your teeth, whether with dental floss(I recommend Glide), aqua flosser(ie WaterPik) or using interdental brushes is extremely important to do daily. Your toothbrush will not clean in between your teeth, especial your back teeth. This is where mouthwash and interdental cleaners(floss, water pik, etc) are important.
Once a day
At least once a day!
I think you should consider finding a new doctor. You should be flossing at LEAST once a day. Flossing helps to remove food and bacteria between the teeth that your tooth brush can not reach. Thus helping to prevent decay and gum disease.
I would disagree with the recommendation not to floss every day. When done correctly, flossing is very effective in reducing bacteria and plaque between the teeth and just under the gum line. This in turn leads to healthier gum tissue and reduced decay between the teeth. If you are unsure if you are flossing correctly, be sure to ask your dental hygienist to demonstrate proper technique.
