Brushing twice a day is universally accepted as the foundation of good oral hygiene. But flossing? Thats where the debate often starts. Many patients at McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough ask us, Is flossing really that important, or is brushing enough? The truth is flossing is just as crucial as brushing, and in some cases, its even more essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
The Misconception: Brushing Does It All
Its easy to assume that brushing alone keeps your teeth clean. After all, your mouth feels fresh, and your teeth look bright. But heres the reality: your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The remaining 40% the spaces between your teeth is where floss comes in.
What Happens If You Skip Flossing?
When you dont floss, plaque, food particles, and bacteria build up between your teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this leads to:
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Tooth decay between teeth (interproximal cavities)
Bad breath (halitosis)
Tartar buildup, which only a dental professional can remove
Skipping flossing allows bacteria to flourish in places your toothbrush simply cant reach.
Flossing vs. Brushing: Is One More Important?
The answer isnt either-or its both. Brushing cleans the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of your teeth. Flossing cleans the tight spaces between teeth and under the gumline where brushing cannot reach.
Think of it like washing your hands but skipping between your fingers you wouldnt do that, right? The same applies to your teeth.
The Benefits of Flossing Daily
Prevents Gum Disease
Flossing removes plaque from below the gumline, preventing inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession.
Reduces Cavities Between Teeth
Floss reaches areas where decay commonly starts but brushing misses.
Fresher Breath
Food particles stuck between teeth are a major cause of bad breath.
Protects Overall Health
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic issues. Keeping your gums healthy benefits your entire body.
Saves Money in the Long Run
Preventive flossing reduces the need for costly dental treatments like fillings, crowns, or gum surgeries.
Why Do Some People Skip Flossing?
It feels awkward or difficult at first.
Theyre not sure how to do it correctly.
They believe bleeding gums mean they should stop (when its actually a sign to start flossing more regularly).
They underestimate its importance.
At McLevin Dental, we often help patients learn the correct flossing technique and overcome these barriers.
What About Alternatives to Traditional Floss?
If using string floss is challenging, several alternatives are effective:
Floss picks Convenient and portable.
Water flossers (like Waterpik) Excellent for people with braces, implants, or dexterity issues.
Interdental brushes Useful for wider gaps or dental work.
These tools are better than not flossing at all and can be just as effective with proper use.
How to Floss Properly
Use about 18 inches of dental floss.
Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with.
Gently guide the floss between your teeth.
Curve it into a C shape against one tooth and slide it under the gumline.
Wipe the side of the tooth, then repeat on the adjacent tooth.
Move to a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Bleeding When Flossing: Should You Be Worried?
If your gums bleed when you floss, its a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup. This means you need to floss more, not less. With regular flossing, bleeding usually stops within a few days as your gums become healthier.
The McLevin Dental Approach: Flossing + Brushing = Best Results
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we stress the importance of flossing not as an extra step but as an equal partner to brushing. Together, they form the strongest defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Our dental hygienists are always happy to demonstrate flossing techniques and recommend the best tools for your specific needs.
Ready to Take Charge of Your Oral Health?
Whether its been six months or a few years since your last cleaning, McLevin Dental is here to help. Book your check-up today and learn how simple habits like flossing can make a massive difference in your oral and overall health.