Our practices will be closed from 24 December until 4 January - however, you can still book to see us in 2021. Happy Holidays from everyone at Ocean and warm wishes for the New Year!

10% off
all treatments
Offer ends 31 December
offer ends 31st dec
book now

Why flossing is so important

Home  •  Questions  •  Flossing is Important

Dentists everywhere recommend flossing.

Here at Ocean Orthodontics, however, we cannot emphasize it enough.

Brushing your teeth alone is not enough to keep your mouth clean and prevent dental disease. Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. In fact, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) suggests flossing at least once a day to promote total oral health.
 
It is all the more important to floss when you are wearing braces.

What does flossing do?

Flossing removes plaque from the areas of your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Dental plaque consists of various types of food debris and bacteria and it begins to accumulate on your teeth within minutes of eating. If you do not remove dental plaque daily, it can mineralise into calculus (tartar) which can then cause inflammation or disease.

Two common issues associated with not flossing include gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum disease). Both of which can eventually lead to the loss of a once-healthy tooth. The tissue between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot access is highly prone to infection.

Flossing daily in addition to brushing your teeth will help you to maintain strong and healthy gums.

When should you floss?

Make flossing a part of your daily routine so that you never forget to do it. If your mornings tend to feel busy and rushed, floss at night before bed. If you feel too tired to floss at the end of the day, make flossing a part of your daytime routine. In the end, it does not matter exactly when you floss. Whether you prefer to floss in the morning or evening, the most important thing is to do it at least once a day.

Who needs to floss?

Anyone who has at least two teeth that touch each other on the sides needs to floss daily. When teeth neighbour each other this way, there is a narrow space between them which can only be cleaned by flossing.

This means that most people need to be flossing. Yes, even kids, too! As soon as your child has teeth in their mouth that touch each other, it is time to begin helping them floss. The sooner you make flossing a part of your child’s teeth-brushing routine, the quicker they will adapt to the new sensation. As mentioned earlier, flossing is especially important if you are having orthodontic treatment.

Braces and other orthodontic appliances provide extra surface areas in the mouth for dental plaque to grow on. Your teeth and gums are in close contact with these surfaces at all hours. If you do not floss regularly, your teeth and gums could have a high risk of developing oral diseases.

Helpful flossing tips

How to floss comfortably and efficiently:

There's more than one way to clean between your teeth

Try different flossing methods and find one that works the best for you. Those who have difficulty flossing may like using a dental pick,  a pre-threaded flosser, an oral irrigator (water flosser) or a soft ribbon-like kind of floss.

It is normal to feel a little discomfort when you first start to floss. This does not mean that flossing is bad for you. Any bleeding or sensitivity simply indicates that your gums are not used to the activity. Floss regularly over the course of two weeks to see how your gums respond. If you still experience discomfort, then you may need to consult your dentist.

Flossing around braces is almost impossible with regular floss. Our orthodontic team can demonstrate various types of flossing devices that work well with braces.

Consult a member of our team if you find it a struggle to floss effectively. We are happy to do all we can to help you maintain a healthy smile!

Crooked teeth are difficult to floss around. Straightening your teeth is an important step you can take in improving the health of your mouth.

To find out which orthodontic treatment is best for you, schedule a free initial consultation at Ocean Orthodontics in Warana or Maroochydore.

Ready for your new smile?

Come and meet our friendly team in the practice.

When you click submit, you will be taken to our live calendar to choose your preferred appointment time.

Where we are and how to get in touch

Make an appointment and meet our team in the practice

Ocean Orthodontics

5/3 Kawana Island Blvd
Warana
QLD 4575
Monday to Friday 8:15am to 5:15pm

We are closed on Tuesdays
Chat to us on live chat between 8am and 8pm
book a free appointment
Ocean Orthodontics

Lvl 3,
33-37 The Esplanade, Maroochydore
Qld 4558
Monday to Friday 8:15am to 5:15pm

We are closed on Tuesdays
Chat to us on live chat between 8am and 8pm
book a free appointment
Our Maroochydore practice is moving! Join us in Warana in the meantime!
EXCITINGNEWS!
Our Maroochydore practice is moving! Join us in Warana in the meantime!
EXCITINGNEWS!
Our Maroochydore practice is moving! Join us in Warana in the meantime!
EXCITINGNEWS!