The Importance of Flossing: 5 Reasons You Might Be Skipping This Crucial Step

By now, you've heard the story about flossing a thousand times, and yes, it's true—your oral hygiene is not complete until you've brushed your teeth, flossed between your teeth, and brushed your tongue! Nevertheless, many people do not floss consistently or at all. Why is that? Here are 5 reasons I believe people do not floss their teeth:

1. Misconception: Many genuinely believe that brushing their teeth alone is enough to keep their teeth and mouth clean and healthy. This is a common misconception. Brushing alone cannot remove the plaque and food particles that get stuck between your teeth.

2. Laziness: We often find the slightest excuse not to floss. Regular string floss costs about $5 or less, but many prefer floss picks, which are not ideal because they don't allow for proper C-shape formation around each tooth. Additionally, social media has popularized water flossers, which, while useful, should not replace standard string floss. Water flossers serve a purpose, especially if you have braces, but they should be an addition to your string floss, not a replacement.

3. Discomfort: Flossing can be uncomfortable at first, but like working out, it gets better with time. At the beginning, you might feel some discomfort, but if you stick with it, it gets better. It's like working out—your muscles are sore at first, but they get stronger with time.

4. Fear of Damaging Fillings: Some are scared that flossing will break their fillings. However, gentle, and proper flossing should not cause any damage. If your floss gets stuck or feels "catchy" around your fillings, talk to your dentist. Unbelievably, flossing is important to keep all dental restorations clean and healthy so they can last a long time.

5. Lack of Awareness: Many people simply do not realize the importance of flossing in maintaining dental restorations and overall oral health. Flossing is vital for keeping dental restorations clean and healthy, ensuring they last a long time.

In conclusion, flossing is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. If you haven't been flossing regularly, it's never too late to start. Your oral health is worth the effort!