![What Happens If You Floss Incorrectly](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/toothbrush-floss-dental-oral-care-dentistry.jpg?output-quality=75)
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for the health of yourteethand gums, removing plaque and other buildup between yourteeth.If you floss incorrectly, however, it can lead to problems such as:
- Gum disease
- Periodontal disease
- Gingivitis(red, swollen, and irritated gums)
- 牙龈出血
- Gum recession
- Halitosis(bad breath)
- Toothache
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Tooth and bone loss (in severe cases)
Recent studies have also reported an association between advanced gum disease anddiabetes,heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and evenstomach cancer.
6 common flossing mistakes
- Flossing too often:Flossing too often can put you at a risk of gum tissue damage and increased sensitivity. To maintain oral hygiene without damaging your gums, it is recommended to floss once a day before bedtime.
- Flossing too hard:Be gentle during the flossing process. If you apply too much pressure, it can cause your gums to bleed and lead to otherdental healthissues.
- Moving too quickly:Moving too quickly from tooth to tooth means that you risk not cleaning in between your teeth thoroughly enough. Floss each side of your mouth for at least 10 seconds to make sure to remove tartar plaque buildup.
- Snapping the floss:Avoid snapping the floss to prevent damage to gum tissues. While it may be satisfying to get deep in the crevices, don’t pull the floss straight down onto the gums, as this can do more harm than good.
- Not cleaning under the gum line:Don’t forget to clean under your gum line. Move the floss firmly below the gum line on both sides of each tooth to get rid of any debris.
- Quitting at the sight of blood:有时,you may see some blood when flossing, especially if you haven’t flossed regularly. If your gums are bleeding, this could be a sign of gum inflammation and plaque buildup, which is exactly why you need to keep flossing.
Why is flossing important?
According to the American Dental Association, flossing is an essential part of gooddental hygiene.
Flossing dislodges pieces of food or other debris that can lead to plaque (a soft layer of bacteria) formation in between the teeth where yourtoothbrushcannot reach and thus helps preventcavitiesand gum diseases.
Although flossing should be an important part of your daily oral care routine, it should not be a replacement for brushing teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time, rinsing with a mouthwash, and seeing regularly for professional cleanings.
How to floss correctly
- Break off approximately 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers, while winding the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand, which can take up the dirty and used part of the floss.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers of both hands.
- Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion, avoiding snapping the floss into the gums.
- Curve the floss into a C shape against one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss up and down by holding it tightly against the tooth.
- Repeat this motion on the rest of your teeth.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/top-problems-in-your-mouth-s1-cold-sores.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and MoreSee Slideshow5 Steps to a Flawless Floss. American Dental Association: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing%20steps
Eric Yabu. The Right Way to Floss. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/your-smile-flossing
Don’t Toss the Floss! NIH: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/11/dont-toss-floss
Top What Happens If You Floss Incorrectly Related Articles
Can You Fix Tooth Decay?
While tooth decay can be prevented, once it starts it can only be stopped from progressing further. It can’t be reversed.Canker Sores
Canker sores are a common complaint, and are small ulcers on the inside of the mouth. Canker sores aren't contagious (as opposed to cold sores), and typically last for 10-14 days usually healing without scarring. A variety of things cause canker sores, for example, medications (aspirin, beta-blockers, NSAIDs, high blood pressure medication, and antibiotics); injury to the mouth from dental work, braces, or sports accidents; acidic foods; allergies; and diseases or conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and lupus. Canker sores can be cure with home remedies, and prescription and OTC topical and oral medication.Choosing a Toothbrush
When searching for a toothbrush, it's important to choose a toothbrush with a handle that's long enough to comfortably hold it in your hand. The toothbrush head should not be so large that you can't clean hard-to-reach areas. Usually, a soft-bristled brush is the safest choice for most people. Ask your dentist for a recommendation or look for the American Dental Association Seal of Approval on manual and powered toothbrushes.Choosing a Toothpaste
Toothpaste, or dentifrice, is a paste, gel, or powder that helps maintain dental health. Toothpastes may contain different compounds to minimize the risk of cavities, tartar, teeth sensitivity, and stains and yellowing.Dental Problems: Tooth Decay, TMJ, Mouth Pain Causes & Treatments
Do you have a toothache? What is oral cancer? Symptoms like mouth pain and sensitive teeth can indicate dental problems. Learn the causes of painful problems in your mouth like tooth decay, TMJ, and dry mouth. See how bad breath starts, and how to fight bad breath with dental treatments that work.Dental Health Quiz
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!Do You Really Need to Floss?
Dental floss is a flexible strand made of nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. Dentists recommend flossing once a day to remove plaque, prevent gum disease and help reduce bad breath.Gingivitis Gum Disease Quiz: Test Your Dental IQ
What is gingivitis and how will you know if you have it? If you have gum disease, what can you do about it? Take this quiz to learn more about the health and wellness of your mouth!Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
牙龈疾病是由牙菌斑和可能导致引起的tooth loss without proper treatment. Read about symptoms, stages, treatment, and home remedies.How Do You Know if You Have Gingivitis or Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation that is limited to the gum line. Periodontitis always begins with inflammation of the gums.Toothache
A toothache is pain on or around a tooth. It may have a variety of causes, including a cavity, abscess, or even sinusitis. Toothache symptoms include pain, headache, earache, bad taste in the mouth, and gum swelling. Dental X-rays and other tests performed by a dentist are used to diagnose the cause of a toothache. Toothache treatment depends on the underlying cause. Taking proper care of the teeth and gums can help prevent toothache.Toothbrush Truths
How many germs are on your toothbrush? See how to store and keep your toothbrush clean from the millions of bacteria that can cause disease and infection.What Are Some of the Early Warning Signs of Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a gum disease that can damage your teeth, gums, and jaw. Learn what it is, how it is caused, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.What Is the Best Toothbrush?
A toothbrush is one of the things that we all need for maintaining our oral hygiene. Though selecting a good toothbrush might sound like an easy task, there are a few things that you should remember while buying one.