I get brushing, but do I really have to floss? (What about mouth rinse?)

Will they really notice?

You get a reminder for your dental appointment and think, “Oh man, I can’t remember the last time I flossed!” You grab an old roll of floss and run it between your teeth, noticing your bleeding gums and hoping your hygienist won't notice. 

Sound familiar? Well you’re not alone. Flossing can feel like something that is reserved for when you get some food stuck between your teeth, but does flossing regularly really matter for your oral health?

Here at City Point Dental, we understand that not everyone is going to floss every day after every meal. We are not here to judge you if it looks like it has been a while, and are much more interested in helping you take care of your teeth. 

Why you should floss like a boss

Just like brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing is an  important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Throughout the day and especially while you sleep, bacteria builds around your teeth and gums in a material called plaque. This bacteria-filled plaque is one of the causes of cavities and if not removed, will crystallize and harden into a material called tartar (also called calculus).

This tartar grows underneath your gums and can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which leads to bone loss and teeth getting loose, ending in tooth loss. This process is called periodontal disease.

One way to prevent this from happening is by cleaning off the plaque before it gets hard and turns into tartar. You can get rid of plaque at home by brushing and flossing , but only a dental professional can remove it once it becomes tartar.

What about floss picks, interdental brushes & the Waterpik?

Flossing cleans areas between your teeth and under your gums that toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Other options that work in a similar way are floss picks, interdental brushes, and the Waterpik. Our hygienists will gladly discuss the best options for your specific situation and can share tips and tricks to make cleaning easier.

Where does mouth wash fit in?

Another helpful addition is the use of a mouth rinse. Using a rinse is a supplement, not a replacement for brushing and flossing!  These rinses can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, freshen breath, decrease sensitivity, and some even contain fluoride to help prevent cavities.

We recommend that children under the age of six do not use rinses due to the risk of swallowing them. Also, patients who experience dry mouth should look for alcohol-free rinses to avoid worsening their symptoms.