Flossing: Conquering Your Excuses

Flossing your teeth at least twice a day is very important for your oral health. Dr. Wendy McCurdy recommends that you floss your teeth at least once a day. Many people find excuse to not floss as they should. Our dentist has simple solutions for all of the common excuses, like:

I Have Trouble Reaching All of My Teeth
If you have a hard time reaching the teeth at the back of your mouth, ask our dentist about plastic flossers, which allow for extra reach. Interdental cleaners (wooden or plastic pics) may also be helpful. Your child may have difficulty flossing on their own, so help him or her floss until he or she is about 11 years old.

I Don’t Have Time to Floss
Floss at least once a day at whatever time is most convenient to you. If you tend to forget, keep your floss with your toothbrush and toothpaste to remind yourself. Keep in mind that you don’t have to floss in front of the mirror. If you like, you can keep floss in your car to use if you’re in traffic. You can also store some in your desk to use after lunch.

Flossing Hurts
If your gums become tender or bleed when you floss, you may have gum disease. As flossing can help restore the health of your gums, this is yet another reason to floss. If you brush and floss your teeth every day, the bleeding and tenderness should stop in under two weeks. Visit Smile Time Family Dentistry if the problem persists.

I’m Pregnant
Many women find it difficult to floss during pregnancy because of fatigue or feelings of nausea. However, it is important to be diligent about your oral hygiene during pregnancy, as pregnancy can cause many dental issues, like gum disease or enamel wear.

My Teeth Are Too Crowded
Waxed or glide floss can provide an easier fit between crowded teeth. A threader or loop can also be helpful. If your floss often shreds between certain teeth, you may have a cavity or damaged dental work, like a loose filling. Ask Dr. Wendy McCurdy to take a look at the teeth.

Food Doesn’t Get Stuck in My Teeth
The most important function of flossing isn’t to remove food from in between the teeth. Flossing is actually meant to remove plaque. Flossing daily helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Plaque is something that everyone has, and it can only be taken care of by flossing or a professional dental cleaning.

We invite you to contact our office today to learn more about flossing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and to schedule an appointment.