When to Start Flossing? A Dentist’s Guide to Healthier Gums

Brushing teeth: we can usually discuss this with our dentist without embarrassment.

But flossing? That’s the word that makes most of us blush, mumble and look anywhere but at our dentist. That’s because we all know we should do it regularly – but the reality is, very few of us do. We brush our teeth, but we don’t floss them.

I know what you’re thinking. Do I really need to floss? Isn’t brushing my teeth thoroughly enough?

Unfortunately, it’s not. 35% of plaque builds up between your teeth. These areas are prone to gingivitis and bleeding gums. Brushing your teeth alone will not clean these areas. You must also floss to completely remove bacteria that are housed in plaque between your teeth. If imbalanced dental plaque is left untreated, it will lead to gum disease. And gum disease can lead to far more serious conditions, as you’ll see later.

But even if we’re concerned about healthy living, we often resist tasks that seem more effort than they’re worth. Of course, flossing is worth it! It’s the best way to heal teeth naturally and avoid bleeding gums.

So, how do we fight this resistance? By sticking to simple principles that help us build good habits.

Let’s get to know how to integrate flossing into your life.

 

Is it really necessary to floss?

Here’s a tricky question. I like to look at our ancestors for knowledge on our health. Did they floss? No, they didn’t, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to! Today we’re surrounded by harmful factors for your teeth. Stick if you expose yourself to any harmful foods or beverages, then I’d suggest you need to floss.

 

When should you start flossing?

Kids by age 10 generally have the manual dexterity to start flossing. Good habits start early!

 

How many times do you have to floss?

Generally, I suggest to my patients to brush twice daily and floss once daily. In certain situations, you may need to floss high-risk areas of your mouth more regularly.

 

Can you damage your teeth by flossing?

Yes, you should generally proceed with light hand touch and good flossing technique. So it can be bad to floss too much, stick to a few times a day maximum.

 

Is water flossing as good as regular flossing?

There is research to support that water-flossing is as effective as regular flossing. So if you prefer using a water-floss, use it!

Don’t have one? You can purchase a waterfloss here.

Don’t like waterfloss or normal floss either? Try some Piksters, they’re like mini toilet brushes you push between your teeth.

 

Is it ever too late to start flossing?

It’s never too late to start anything. Start today!

Research into how people form habits show that the early stages of performing a task are significant in turning that task into a habit. However, these gains taper off the longer this initial period is extended.

This means that for you to make a new habit, you only need to perform it a certain amount of times to make it as much as a habit as it will ever be for you.

The key is realizing WHY it’s important to perform the task. This provides that kick-start to make a change.

Here are 3 helpful steps to building a daily flossing habit:

 

Step 1: Motivation

You need to see the end goal – the pot of gold. In this case, that’s the benefits of flossing and avoiding bleeding gums. Flossing is an important way to heal teeth naturally and should be part of your healthy living plan.

Let’s look at the benefits of flossing for your teeth, gums and overall health:

• You will be richer. Flossing prevents plaque buildup between teeth that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This, in turn, prevents expensive dental work.
• You will be healthier. Flossing is key to healthy living. How? Well, flossing prevents gum disease. This means you’re healing your teeth naturally. Also, gum disease has been linked to heart conditions, diabetes and lung infections. By flossing, you’re reducing one of your risk factors for these conditions. A major bonus!
• You will look better. Gum disease can cause bleeding gums. It can also make your gums shrink away from your teeth. It’s also the number one cause of tooth loss. Missing teeth aren’t attractive – and they’re expensive to replace.
• Your breath will smell better. Gum disease is a big cause of bad breath. If you suffer from bad breath get started today.

If these four points don’t motivate you, then nothing will!

 

Step 2: Habit formation

To help you become a regular flosser, let’s look at two key elements of habit formation.

• Frequency: Studies have shown the frequency of past behavior reflects the strength of a habit. This means you need to repeat a task a certain amount of times before you will see it as a habit.
• Context: Unstable or difficult environments are linked to behaviors that are not learned well.

 

Step 3: Making a plan

How long does it take to form a new habit? That’s something that experts debate. However, most agree you must repeat an activity for a minimum of 21 days to turn it into an automatic habit.

So here we go.

 

The 21-Day Plan to Start Flossing Today

• Start with a professional clean from your dentist or hygienist. This will remove all plaque and calculus, giving you a clean slate to work with!
• Floss at the same time each day. Are you supposed to floss before or after brushing your teeth? I suggest flossing BEFORE you brush at night. This helps ensure you’re accessing a reproducible time period.
• Floss in the same place each day. Can you floss in the morning before work? Or do you prefer at night? Can you floss after eating? Choose a time to floss that suits you. This helps reinforce the habit. Let’s add some fun associations. Set up a speaker in your bathroom and play your favorite song every time you brush and floss.
• Record your progress, 21 days non-stop in a row. If you miss a day it’s best to start again. Remind yourself you’re not just looking after your teeth, but your whole body. Flossing is integral to a healthy living plan.

 

The benefits of flossing daily to your teeth

If you’ve never flossed, then you may experience some temporary gum discomfort. Your gums between your teeth may be inflamed or bleed. It’s important to:

• Be gentle. There’s no need to use excessive force.
• Don’t worry if you do see blood. You’re doing the right thing. If your gums are bleeding, this means you’re reaching the inflamed areas. If you continue flossing, your gums will stop bleeding altogether.
• Check the way your gums look every day. After 21 days, you should find that your gums look very tight with a nice pink color. This means they’re healthy!

 

Enjoy the feeling!

Finally, take note of how your gums FEEL after flossing. Once the inflammation is under control, your gums will tingle slightly every time you floss and brush them. That’s how healthy gums should feel. Once you’re used to this feeling, you won’t want to go a day without flossing ever again!

Now we want to hear from you. Please leave your questions in the comments below.

For more information on Dr. Lin’s clinical protocol that highlights the steps parents can take to prevent dental problems in their children: Click here.

Want to know more? Dr. Steven Lin’s book, The Dental Diet, is available to order today. An exploration of ancestral medicine, the human microbiome and epigenetics it’s a complete guide to the mouth-body connection. Take the journey and the 40-day delicious food program for life-changing oral and whole health.

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