Introduction
Flossing is one of the most overlooked habits when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. Many people in Wellington brush their teeth twice daily but skip flossing, believing it’s unnecessary. However, a dental hygienist in Wellington will tell you that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your teeth’s surface, leaving plaque and bacteria to accumulate between the teeth and under the gumline. This accumulation can contribute to the disease process of gum disease, creating conditions favorable for bacteria to thrive.
Flossing is essential for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath—issues that can lead to costly dental treatments if ignored. In this article, we’ll cover:
- ✔ Why flossing is important for your oral health
- ✔ The scientific evidence behind its benefits
- ✔ Common myths about flossing
- ✔ Alternatives to flossing (and why they aren’t as good!)
- ✔ How a professional dental hygienist in Wellington can help
If you’re looking for expert dental hygiene care in Wellington, City Dentists offers comprehensive hygiene services, including professional cleanings, tailored oral care advice, and periodontal therapy.
What Is Flossing and Why Is It Essential for Oral Health?
Flossing is the process of using dental floss (a thin string) to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from areas your toothbrush cannot reach, such as: ✔ The tight spaces between teeth✔ The gumline, where bacteria can cause infection ✔ The affected teeth and gums, where plaque and tartar buildup can occur
A dental hygienist in Wellington will always stress the importance of flossing because it helps to:
- Preventing gum disease and cavities
- Reducing bad breath
- Enhancing overall oral hygiene and health
Neglecting to floss can lead to tartar buildup, gum inflammation, and serious oral health complications. Let’s take a closer look at the scientific evidence proving the benefits of flossing.
The Benefits of Teeth Flossing (Backed by Scientific Evidence!)
1. Flossing Removes Plaque That Brushing Misses
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental hygienist in Wellington.
Evidence: A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that individuals who floss daily have significantly lower plaque levels than those who only brush. Source: Journal of Periodontology
Key takeaway: Flossing prevents tartar buildup, keeping the tooth surface smooth and clean.
2. Flossing Prevents Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease)
When plaque builds up between teeth and under the gums, it leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms include:
When plaque builds up between teeth and under the gums, it leads to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms include:
- ❌ Red, swollen gums
- ❌ Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- ❌ Bad breath
Without treatment, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis—a severe gum infection that may lead to tooth loss. At this stage, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent further damage.
Evidence: A study in the American Journal of Clinical Dentistry confirmed that flossing reduces gum inflammation and bleeding, significantly lowering the risk of gum disease. Source: Journal of Dental Hygiene (2022)
Key takeaway: If your gums bleed when flossing, it’s a sign you need to floss more—not less!
3. Flossing Helps Prevent Cavities Between Teeth
Most cavities start between teeth, where bacteria feed on leftover food particles and produce acids that weaken enamel. Flossing removes these particles before decay begins.
In addition to proper dental care, lifestyle changes such as eating fewer sweets can significantly contribute to preventing cavities.
Key takeaway: Flossing helps prevent cavities and saves you money on dental treatments.
4. Flossing Reduces Bad Breath (Halitosis)
When food and bacteria get trapped between your teeth, they decompose and produce foul-smelling compounds, causing chronic bad breath.
Evidence: A study in the Journal of Oral Hygiene & Health found that flossing significantly reduces bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Source: Journal J. Clinical Periodontology
Key takeaway: Daily flossing is one of the best ways to keep your breath fresh.
5. Flossing Supports Overall Health
Your oral health is directly linked to your general health. Studies have shown that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Key takeaway: Flossing doesn’t just protect your teeth—it supports your entire body’s health. To maximize these benefits, it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and reducing risk factors like quitting smoking and limiting sugar intake.
The Risks of Not Flossing
Neglecting to floss regularly can have serious repercussions for your oral health. When you skip flossing, plaque and tartar can build up between your teeth and along the gumline, leading to gum disease and periodontal disease. Flossing is a crucial part of good oral hygiene because it removes food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
If plaque and tartar are not removed, they can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, resulting in sore gums, bleeding gums, and receding gums. Over time, this can progress to periodontal disease, which can cause loose teeth and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Moreover, research has shown a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, including an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Regular flossing can help prevent these serious health issues and maintain good oral health.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is recommended to floss at least once a day, preferably before brushing your teeth. This helps to remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated throughout the day. A dental hygienist or dental therapist can provide guidance on proper flossing techniques and recommend the best flossing tools for your individual needs.
Are There Alternatives to Flossing? (Why Teeth Flossing Is Still the Best!)
If you struggle with flossing, there are alternative methods, but none are as effective as traditional floss.
| Alternative | Effectiveness vs. Flossing |
|---|---|
| Water Flosser | Useful for braces but not as effective at removing plaque |
| Interdental Brushes | Useful for larger gaps but cannot fully replace floss |
| Floss Picks | Convenient but less thorough than string floss |
✔ Best choice: Traditional string floss is still the most effective method for removing plaque and preventing gum disease.
Finding the Right Professional Help
If you’re experiencing problems with your teeth and gums, finding the right professional help is essential. A dental hygienist is a qualified professional who can provide personalized care and treatment plans to maintain good oral health. Dental hygienists are trained to assess the overall health of your gums, including pocketing, recession, and bleeding, and can provide treatments to prevent decay and gum disease.
When looking for a dental hygienist, it’s important to find someone who is experienced and qualified to provide the best possible care. You can ask for referrals from friends, family, or your dentist, or search online for dental hygienists in your area. Make sure to check if the dental hygienist is registered with the relevant professional bodies and has the necessary qualifications and experience.
A good dental hygienist will work with you to develop a personalized care plan, provide guidance on good oral hygiene practices, and offer regular check-ups to maintain good oral health. By finding the right professional help, you can ensure that your teeth and gums receive the best possible care and maintain good oral health for years to come.
Visit a Professional Dental Hygienist in Wellington for the Best Oral Care
While flossing is essential, professional cleanings are also crucial for removing stubborn tartar and keeping your gums healthy. A dental hygienist in Wellington can:
✔ Remove tartar and plaque buildup
✔ Identify early signs of gum disease
✔ Provide personalized oral hygiene advice
At City Dentists in Wellington, our experienced dental hygienists offer comprehensive cleanings and customized oral care plans.
Book your appointment with a dental hygienist in Wellington today!