Dental Floss FAQs
Northside Dental Clinic provides a wide range of dental services for you and your family in Springfield, MO.
When we clean your teeth, we use a tooth polisher and dental floss. Brushing your teeth and flossing are vital to your daily oral hygiene routine.
We answer a few frequently asked questions about dental floss.
How often should I floss my teeth?
At least once per day.
Can you floss too much?
Yes. Flossing more than once per day can cause damage to your gum tissue if you floss the wrong way. If you floss too harshly and too many times, you can harm your gums and expose more of your teeth’s roots. Exposing the roots can cause decay that is nearly impossible to keep clean.
What flavors of dental floss are there?
The two most common flavors include mint and cinnamon. There are also unflavored varieties. For kids, you can try bubble gum.
Unusual flavors include bacon, cupcake, grape, cranberry, dill pickle, salad, ranch, and even absinthe.
What types of dental floss are accepted by the American Dental Association?
The ADA accepts seven brands of dental floss, from CVS and DenTek to Oral-B and Reach. You can also find dental floss picks on this list. Floss picks are handy if you have mobility issues and trouble using your hands.
How much floss should I use every time?
You need around 18 to 24 inches of floss to wrap around your middle fingers to floss properly. Make sure to keep moving the floss from one finger to the other, so the same piece of floss doesn’t go in between all of your teeth.
Should I floss before or after brushing?
It’s better to floss first and then brush. That way, your mouth feels cleaner. Brushing removes more bacteria from your mouth.
Why is my mouth bleeding when I floss?
Bleeding when you floss may come from:
- Inflamed gums due to plaque or tartar buildup.
- Poor flossing techniques that irritate your gums.
- Not brushing your gums when you brush your teeth.
What should I do when my gums bleed during flossing?
Keep flossing. Bleeding may stop within three to 10 days with proper flossing. Why? Because the bacteria that builds up in your gums eventually goes away when you floss. That’s why you should floss at least once a day for a healthier mouth.
Who can help me floss my teeth?
The dental hygienists and dentists at Northside Dental Clinic in Springfield, Missouri are your resource. Call us today at (417) 862-2468 to make an appointment. We can show you and your family how to floss properly for better oral hygiene.