You brush for two minutes per day and use mouthwash. But you don’t floss. You figure that your gums don’t bleed and your dentist has never said you have a problem. So how bad is not flossing, really?

What happens if you don’t floss?

Are you in the ‘do I really need to floss’ camp? Well if you are, you need to think again. Every day, especially after you eat, bacteria are getting in between your teeth and below your gum line, and they’re growing. These are the spots where your humble toothbrush can’t reach. But floss can. Every day you give flossing a miss, bacteria are growing on your teeth and gums.  

The problem with bacteria in your mouth

An overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth sets off an alert in the immune system. This creates an inflammatory response in your gums which can cause lots of different health issues. Not only does it cause tooth decay, tooth loss, and bad breath, but it’s also been linked to heart disease, and even dementia. So how bad is not flossing? It’s pretty bad! Brushing your teeth alone is not enough, you need to floss!

I hate flossing-what can I do?

Using ordinary dental floss can feel uncomfortable or even deeply unpleasant for some people. Some people just find they can’t get the technique right. But don’t worry, if you can’t quite get to grips with flossing, there are things you can do.

• Choose a flavoured floss. Having a nice taste in your mouth will make flossing much more pleasant.
• Start with one tooth at a time to perfect your flossing technique. As you get more confident, this will help it become habit.
• The kind of floss you choose matters. Waxed floss doesn’t get stuck between the teeth as much, which is a common bugbear for people who dislike flossing.
• Use a flossing stick. This can help people who have problems gripping onto ordinary floss.
• Invest in a tooth cleaner. Tooth cleaners reach those parts that manual toothbrushes can’t reach. They can make light work of eliminating debris and plaque for a healthier mouth. Use one regularly and you’ll need less invasive and expensive dental treatment.

For more articles on oral health care and the products you need for a brighter and healthier smile, check out the rest of our blog.