Table of Contents

• The Importance of Flossing
• Signs You Have Gum Disease
• How to Properly Floss with Thread Floss
• Is a Water Flosser as Reliable as Thread Floss? 
• Protect Your Smile with Arden Family Dental

Maintaining a healthy smile means following a strict oral hygiene routine. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove food particles, plaque buildup, and bacteria. You may want to consider incorporating a fluoride-rich mouth rinse into your daily routine. But, are you flossing regularly? A 2018 study found that over 30% of American adults don’t floss at all.

However, this is an important part of protecting yourself from gum disease and tooth decay. When attempting to incorporate flossing back into your routine, you may find yourself torn between thread floss and a water flosser. But which of these is the best option for improving your gum health and protecting your smile?

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of regularly flossing and help you determine whether thread floss or a water flosser is best for your oral health. 

The Importance of Flossing

Your gums play an incredibly crucial role in your oral health. They act as the foundation for supporting your teeth and preventing the buildup of food debris and bacteria. When you’re dealing with poor gum health, you compromise the well-being of your teeth, jawbone, and, in more extreme cases, gum health. But what does this have to do with flossing? 

When you floss every day, you remove any tough food particles and bacteria that make themselves at home between your teeth. If left unaddressed, this bacteria can grow and irritate the delicate gum tissue. As your gums become more irritated, they become puffier and pull away from your teeth, making you more susceptible to gum disease development. 

A lack of flossing may also contribute to the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. When you’re dealing with this bacteria, no amount of brushing will ever feel adequate in helping you restore fresh breath. Ultimately, if you want to protect this essential tissue, flossing daily is a non-negotiable step in your oral hygiene routine. 

Signs You Have Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, often starts quietly but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Recognizing the early signs is key to protecting your oral health. One of the clearest signs that you’re dealing with gum disease is dark pink or red, puffy, or sensitive gum tissue. Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink, so any puffiness or discomfort is a warning sign. Other common signs include:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing, especially if it happens frequently.
• Persistent bad breath, caused by bacteria along the gum line.
• Gum recession as the tissue pulls away from your teeth, creating deep pockets.
• Loose teeth or changes in your bite.
• Pain or sensitivity when chewing, or to hot and cold foods.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an exam with your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help reverse damage, prevent more serious oral health problems, and protect your gums, teeth, and overall well-being.

How to Properly Floss with Thread Floss

Actually picking up the floss is only half the battle. It is even more important that you know how to use it properly. To start, break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one middle finger, with the rest around the opposite finger. This provides you with enough clean floss to work with for each tooth.

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently slide it between your teeth using a forward and backward motion. Do your best to avoid forcing the floss between your teeth, as this can cut into your delicate gum tissue, potentially leading to bacterial infiltration. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, forming a “C” shape, and slide it gently under the gumline. 

This removes plaque and debris that brushing alone can’t reach. Repeat this process for each tooth, using a fresh section of floss as you move along. Don’t forget the back teeth, which are often missed. Proper thread flossing may feel delicate at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more effective. 

Consistent daily flossing protects your gums, prevents cavities, and reduces the risk of gum disease over time. If you are just getting back into this habit, it’s essential to take your time when flossing. Trying to rush this process may do far more harm than good, so it’s best to move slowly and methodically through your mouth. 

Is a Water Flosser as Reliable as Thread Floss? 

Some people may struggle to use thread floss, which often prevents them from flossing at all. If you struggle with thread floss, a water flosser can be an effective tool for improving your oral hygiene. A water flosser uses a pressurized stream of water to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline. 

Many people find it easier to use than traditional floss, especially those with braces, implants, or limited dexterity. Research suggests that a water flosser can reduce plaque and gum inflammation nearly as well as thread floss, particularly when used consistently. However, a water flosser may not always remove sticky plaque as thoroughly as thread floss.

To achieve optimal oral health, many dental professionals recommend combining the use of a water flosser and thread floss for a more thorough cleaning. A water flosser is also excellent for stimulating gums and preventing bad breath. While it may not fully replace thread floss in all cases, a water flosser is a strong complementary tool that helps maintain healthy teeth and gums when used regularly.

Protect Your Smile with Arden Family Dental

Whether you believe a water flosser or thread floss is best for your smile, it’s essential to work with an expert dental team at every step in this journey. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you determine whether thread floss or a water flosser is most effective in achieving your best oral health.

If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Arden, NC, area, turn to our team at Arden Family Dental for support. Whether you’re dealing with poor gum health or trying to avoid recurring gingival problems, our team is dedicated to helping you identify the root cause of your oral health concerns and achieve your best, healthiest smile.

If you need help determining whether thread floss or a water flosser is best for achieving your oral health goals, contact us to schedule an appointment.