We’ve all had that moment where we’re standing at the bathroom sink, toothbrush in hand, staring at the floss and wondering, “Do I really need to?” Maybe you’ve skipped it once or more than once. Maybe flossing feels like a chore, or maybe no one ever really explained why it matters in the first place.
But here’s the truth: flossing isn’t just about keeping food out of your teeth; it’s about protecting your smile, health, and future. At Norco Family Dental, we’ve seen firsthand how this one small habit can make a big difference. So if you’ve ever questioned whether it’s really necessary, you’re not alone, and we’ve got the answer you’ve been looking for.
Debunking the Myths behind Flossing
Flossing is a staple of preventive dental care; we recommend flossing between each tooth daily to remove bits of food and bacteria from between your teeth.
Let’s debunk some of the common misconceptions about flossing:
- Flossing isn’t important if you brush well — It’s true that brushing your teeth is necessary to clean the surfaces, but brushing alone can’t reach between your teeth. Only flossing can remove the plaque and bacteria between your teeth.
- Flossing makes my gums bleed, so I shouldn’t do it — The opposite is true here; if your gums are bleeding when you floss, it can be a sign of gum disease due to plaque buildup. You need to floss regularly to stop your gums from bleeding.
- Flossing isn’t necessary if I use a water flosser — A water flosser is a great tool, but it doesn’t replace traditional flossing. Only regular floss can remove the plaque from the tight spaces between your teeth.
- Flossing isn’t needed unless I have gaps in my teeth — Even if you don’t have gaps in your teeth, the tight spaces between your teeth require flossing. Bacteria can still build up in these areas.
- Flossing takes too much time — You can floss your teeth in two minutes or less, and once you get in the habit, it becomes part of your daily routine. Try keeping floss where it’s easily seen to help make it a habit.
Looking for a Family Dentist in Greeley, CO?
Call us to learn more about how preventive dental care can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums! At Norco Family Dental, we aim to promote good dental hygiene habits for patients of all ages.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team, you can reach us at (970) 356-5277.