What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Flossing?

Posted on 5/10/2021 by Barbara Ketchum

Hopefully you already know that you should floss every day in order to thoroughly clean your teeth and prevent gum disease. But do you know the correct way to floss? Here are some common mistakes people make while flossing.

Flossing Too Hard

Many people floss too roughly, apply a lot of pressure, or use a “sawing” motion when they floss, because they think this will clean between the teeth more effectively. However, flossing too hard or sawing floss back and forth between your teeth can actually irritate your gums and lead to problems like bleeding, pain, and gum recession. Use gentle pressure while flossing to avoid discomfort.

Flossing Too Quickly

A lot of people find flossing uncomfortable (perhaps because they are using the wrong technique), so they rush through it as fast as possible. Going too fast when you floss will likely result in missed spots, plus you could accidentally snap the floss and irritate your gums. Go slowly to ensure that you are cleaning your entire smile thoroughly, and do not forget to floss your very back teeth or right under the gum line.

Flossing Too Often

Since a shocking 30 percent of Americans admit to never flossing at all, you may be surprised to learn that some people floss multiple times per day. While you may think that flossing after each meal is a good way to keep your teeth clean throughout the day, it can actually do more harm than good. Gum tissue is sensitive, and excessive flossing can cause inflammation and discomfort. We recommend flossing only once per day, preferably at night – but an extra flossing session can be okay if you have a stubborn piece of food stuck between your teeth. Brush your teeth after you floss at night to clean away all the plaque and bacteria you loosened with the floss. Call our office if you have questions about flossing.

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Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 / (971) 600-0211 / salemsmiles.com / 11/30/2023 / Tags: dentist Salem OR /