If there’s one thing that becomes apparent each and every time a dental health survey is carried out, it’s that most people are not listening to the advice of their dentists. Or if they are listening to it, they’re certainly not following through and heeding it. The reason being that when pushed for 100% honest answers, most people admit to not flossing as often as they know they should. Not only this, but it’s becoming abundantly clear that the majority of people still don’t floss at all…ever…not under any circumstances.
So, why is it that despite on-going advice from dentists and health professionals all over the world, most of us are still not flossing as we should?
Well, the simple answer is that most people simply do not like flossing. In fact, studies have shown that in most instances, people would much rather clean their toilet or wash dishes than get busy with dental floss. They’re more than happy to use the best electric toothbrush for sensitive teeth twice a day, but mention the idea of buying the best water flosser of 2016 and you’ll likely be replied to with a frown. So it’s really no surprise that less than half of all adults are known to floss daily as recommended by their dentists – the rest knowingly and willingly not doing as they know they should.
From cavities to gum disease to fresh breath and so on, there’s a hell of a lot to gain from spending just a few minutes each day getting the job done. It’s a pay-off that’s more than worth the effort – one that’s hard to understand until you actually get into flossing yourself.
So as a gentle nudge in the right direction, here’s a quick rundown of just a few fast flossing facts you might find semi-interesting:
- Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t necessary to floss twice a day, morning and evening, to benefit enormously. In fact, just as long as you floss thoroughly once every day, this is more than sufficient to make an enormous difference. It’s of no real consequence whether you floss in the morning or in the evening – nor does it make much of a difference whether you floss before or after brushing. Any time of day or night without exception, flossing once daily will make a big, BIG difference to your oral health.
- One of the best ways of getting yourself into the habit of flossing daily is to invest in a fair few flossing products and make sure there’s always one close to hand. In the car, in your bag, in your laptop case, in the office drawer etc. – keep yourself tooled-up and ready to go. This way, you can reach for the floss anytime you find yourself well and truly bored, or with nothing better to do. Stuck in a traffic jam? Why not make the most of your time by reaching for the floss and having a good clean-around?
- No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, there are so many areas in-between your teeth that you will never, ever reach without floss. If you do not clean these areas between your teeth, the result will be plaque that slowly hardens to become tartar – a leading trigger of gum disease. Not only this, but bits of food that are allowed to decay and rot between your teeth will also harbour the kind of bacteria that don’t do a world of good for the freshness of your breath, or your oral health in general.
- There are literally hundreds of different flossing products on the market these days that can make the whole process significantly easier, faster and more effective than ever before. As such, if you have only ever tried out traditional dental floss and have developed a distaste for it, chances are you’ll find any number of alternative products much more to your liking. For the sake of your oral health, it is definitely worth trying at least a few of them out for yourself.
- If you haven’t flossed for a long time, don’t be put off by the discomfort and sensitivity you may experience the first time you go about the job. This is natural and in many instances inevitable, but is also perfectly normal and no cause for concern. After you have been flossing for a couple of weeks, all initial sensitivity and discomfort should disappear entirely. If it doesn’t, you might want to speak to your dentist for advice.
- Just as is the same when it comes to brushing your teeth, it is important not to get into the habit of flossing too aggressively. The reason being that while you of course want to make sure you get the job done properly, flossing too hard can do more harm than good. If you are finding flossing in any way uncomfortable or painful, there’s a good chance it is because you are doing it too hard!
- Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific age by which children should be introduced to flossing. Instead, the vast majority of dental experts advise all parents to introduce their children to flossing just as soon as they have two teeth that touch. And of course, the earlier you introduce your children to flossing, the more likely they are to develop strong and healthy oral hygiene habits for life.
A Change for Life
The simple fact of the matter is that if you are not currently flossing as often as you should be…or at all…you won’t know the difference it can make until you change your ways. You may have found yourself in a day-to-day cycle that’s difficult to break, but just as soon as you make the effort you will probably wonder how you ever got by without floss in your life.
As mentioned above, there are so many different flossing products on the market these days that you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes and lifestyle to the letter. Or for more information, simply reach out to your dentist and have them steer you in the right direction.
