Daily flossing is a fundamental component of effective oral hygiene. Floss is a thin strand used to clean the surfaces between teeth, known as interdental spaces, which a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. For the vast majority of people, flossing once a day is safe and highly recommended by dental professionals to maintain optimal health.
Addressing the Concern: Is Daily Flossing Harmful?
The perception that daily flossing is detrimental usually stems from bleeding gums. Bleeding is typically a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, rather than damage from the floss itself. This inflammation occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates along the gum line and irritates the soft tissue. When floss is introduced, it dislodges the irritants, causing the inflamed tissue to bleed easily.
The bleeding should diminish within a few days to a week of consistent daily flossing as the inflammation resolves. If bleeding persists beyond this period, it may indicate a more advanced stage of gum disease, requiring a visit to a dentist. Actual damage, such as gum recession or enamel wear, is caused by improper, overly aggressive flossing technique, not the frequency of the action. For instance, “snapping” the floss forcefully down onto the gums or using a harsh sawing motion can traumatize the gum tissue.
The Role of Flossing
Flossing plays a role because toothbrush bristles only effectively clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Approximately 40% of the tooth surface area is located in the tight spaces between teeth, which remain untouched by brushing alone. Flossing is the primary method for physically removing interproximal plaque and trapped food debris from these inaccessible areas and just beneath the gum line.
When interproximal plaque is not regularly disrupted, bacterial colonies thrive and release toxins that trigger an inflammatory response in the gums. Over time, persistent plaque absorbs minerals from saliva and hardens into calculus, or tartar, which cannot be removed by flossing or brushing. Calculus accumulation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease can ultimately result in bone loss and tooth loss. Daily flossing disrupts the bacteria before they can mature and cause irreversible damage.
Ensuring Safety: Proper Technique
To ensure safety, adopt the correct flossing method. Begin with a piece of floss about 18 inches long, wrapping most of it around the middle finger of one hand and a smaller amount around the middle finger of the opposite hand. This leaves a small, working section of one to two inches taut between the thumbs and index fingers.
The floss should be guided gently between the teeth using a slight back-and-forth motion. Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth, gently sliding it into the space between the tooth and the gum. The action involves rubbing the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, scraping the plaque off the surface. Repeat the curve and scrape on the adjacent tooth, and unroll a fresh section of floss for each new tooth to avoid transferring bacteria.