5 Common Myths About Flossing

It's important to floss your teeth every day to maintain optimal oral health. However, myths are being spread about flossing. In this post, our Midland dentists talk about the importance of flossing and debunk some of the most common flossing myths.

Preventive oral hygiene is more than attending regular dental checkups. It's also imperative to practice daily oral health care routines at home. This means brushing and flossing regularly.

Daily flossing is an effective way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces but also helps prevent plaque from building up so you can avoid long-term damage to the teeth and gums.

There are many myths about flossing, which can cause people to skip this vital oral health care practice altogether. Here, our Midland dentists debunk some of the common myths being spread about flossing and explain why you should always floss your teeth every day.

Myth 1: Flossing only needs to be done when you have food caught in your teeth.

Brushing alone won't remove bacteria in between teeth, which means only a portion of the tooth’s surface is getting cleaned. Even if you don't see or feel something stuck between your teeth, there is plaque building up that can only be removed by flossing to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Myth 2: You can use mouthwash to rinse your mouth instead of flossing.

Like brushing, mouthwash won't remove the plaque between your teeth. While mouthwash can be an effective addition to your oral health care routine, it should never be used as a replacement for flossing.

Myth 3: You can't floss if you wear braces.

It may be harder to floss with braces, but it is still a necessary practice. With braces, gums are more likely to become inflamed, so flossing will help keep your gum line clean and free from plaque build-up during your orthodontic treatment. Today, there are also alternative orthodontic treatment options, such as Invisalign clear aligners, that can be removed to make brushing and flossing easier.

Myth 4: Your kids aren't old enough to floss.

It's never too early for kids to start flossing. In fact, the earlier they start the more likely it is for them to develop and maintain good oral health care routines into adulthood. If they are finding it difficult to floss on their own, try to encourage them and help them along the way. If your child is under 10 years old, you can do it for them.

Myth 5: You need to stop flossing when your gums start bleeding.

If your gums bleed, this is usually a sign that you need to floss more often, not less. Your gums could be bleeding simply because they’re not used to being flossed. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. If your gums are bleeding continually, then it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, so be sure to share any concerns with your dentist.