Debunking AP’s Claim That Flossing Is Unimportant

With the recent news from the Associated Press that there’s no real proof of the medical benefits of flossing, we at Clifton & Mauney are here to reassure you that your teeth cleaning efforts of brushing, flossing, and mouthwashing for all these years have not been for nothing. Drs. Clifton & Mauney provide the most up-to-date and reliable information on dental hygiene, and this very much includes flossing, contrary to AP’s report.

Dr. Clifton & Dr. Mauney Still Support Flossing, Against AP’s Evidence

Brushing your teeth cleans only about 40 to 50 percent of the actual surface of your teeth; the other half is cleaned with the rest of your oral hygiene routine: flossing and using a fluoride rinse. Floss is an interdental cleaner that removes debris, food, and plaque between the teeth and gums since our toothbrushes cannot access those tight spaces.

By choosing not to floss, you are risking the possibility of leftover food particles getting stuck in hard to reach places between your teeth and gums, hardening over time to form tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, and if not removed, it can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

How To Floss Correctly

When following your oral hygiene routine, flossing comes first. Be sure to brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day – usually at the end of the night to sleep with a clean mouth. You should use about 18 inches of floss between your fingertips, and floss between each tooth one-by-one. While curving the floss around your tooth, scrape the floss up and down against the walls of your teeth, making sure not to saw down too hard on your gums. Flossing should not be painful, but being too gentle might not remove the plaque adequately. It is totally normal if you feel some discomfort when trying to get back into the routine, but eventually you will find your happy medium, and find the benefits to flossing! Upon flossing, brush regularly and use a fluoride rinse to stay healthy!

Contact Us At Our Chapel Hill Office Today!

If you have any questions at all about this blog or any other orthodontic-related issues, we would love to share our answers with you. Request an appointment or call us at (919) 933-1007. We can’t wait to meet you!