Zen and the art of flossing

frobisher

I just bought some floss for the first time in a while after a friend's dentist told her that the difference needed in dental visits between those who do and those who don't is quite big. Although this was in Europe, not here. Is this true? Flossing sometimes feels like putting string into a gap that doesn't want to be a gap! If there is strong resistance should you push harder or are you just going to force gaps to be bigger that will therefore need more flossing, creating a vicious cycle floss/gap contiuum? Is it true that flossing greatly reduces the chance of bad breathe? Worth knowing for when you're going on the pull! And why on earth does my floss have a taste!! I mean come on, it's string!

LookingFor

It does make a difference, I think. Prior to last complimenting me on the state of my teeth, my dentist asked me quite knowingly if I flossed or not, as if it would be a hallmark of better dental health.

I don't think flossing is so much about getting in between your teeth as it is about getting under the gumline and taking out whatever might be there. Be gentle of course, you don't want to damage your gum. Most floss directs you to go under the gum line with an up-and-down motion gently. Some bleeding is apparently normal initially, though.

I'll be honest and say I don't floss religiously every day, but most days.