Flossing – Why And When

The concept of flossing one’s teeth is still quite foreign to some people, despite being told of the importance of it for years.

It probably has something to do with the whole antiquated “germ theory” of a couple of centuries ago: If I can’t see it, it’s not there”.

Of course, we now know that just because something like bacteria (or air) is not visible to the naked eye, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Plaque Is Loaded With Bacteria

So, nowadays, people are more enlightened about germs, but still not so much about the germs in dental plaque.

You see, dental plaque – that clear to whiteish, sticky coating that’s constantly developing on ALL of your oral surfaces – is made-up of about 27% bacteria.

In other words, more than one quarter of plaque is bacteria.

The same kind of bacteria that are responsible for gum disease and tooth decay.

Plaque Is Forming 24/7

Now, we know that plaque is not only continuously forming in our mouths, but that it’s also somewhat difficult to remove.

So, not only do we need specially developed tools (brush, floss, etc.) to remove the plaque, but we must also perform these removal techniques regularly.

Therefore, our local dentist tells us to brush after every meal and floss at least once daily.

Toothbrushing Misses 40% Of Your Tooth Surfaces

Now, keeping in mind that plaque forms everywhere in our mouths, here’s another interesting statistic for you: 40% of your tooth surfaces are in-between your teeth, where toothbrush bristles can’t reach!

That’s right, brushing only covers a little over half of our total tooth surfaces.

So, even if we brush forty times a day, we are only getting about 60% of our teeth clean.

And that’s where floss comes in.

Used properly, floss can take care of the other 40% of the tooth surfaces that brushing can’t reach.

And while flossing may be a hassle until you get accustomed to it, imagine what would happen if you only washed 60% of your clothing (including underwear), but continued to wear all of it.

Would you lose friends?  Your job?  Would forest creatures begin to follow you around?  You get the picture…

If you’re not flossing at least every few days, think of what the bacteria in your mouth are doing in “their” 40% of your teeth.

The 40%, Flossing And Gum Disease

And that’s really the major issue with flossing.  Periodontal disease doesn’t really present any dramatic signs or symptoms.

So, often, people have full blown gum disease before they are even aware of it – all because of incomplete oral hygiene!

Obviously, when used together, brushing and flossing are able to effectively clean 100% of your exposed tooth surfaces.

And whether gum disease has noticeable signs and symptoms or not, you now know how and why you can and should take drastic steps to prevent it.

Since plaque takes between 24-72 hours to use the minerals in your saliva to form tartar, you should make sure you floss at least every other day.

Because once tartar forms, it creates an incredible bond to the teeth and will probably require a hygienist to remove it.

Meanwhile, this tartar continues to grow and provide a haven for millions of bacteria, that continue to do you harm.

The Best Time To Floss

The absolute BEST time to both floss and brush is right before bed.

You want your mouth as clean as possible while you are sleeping, so there is no food for the bacteria to eat and make disease-causing by-products from.

Floss first, then rinse your mouth vigorously with water.  Then brush for about four minutes and rinse vigorously again.

Flossing and brushing are the mechanical means by which you dislodge the plaque.

The vigorous swishing with water helps to transport the dislodged plaque (and food particles) out of the intricate places in your mouth and into the sink, so it can’t re-attach to your teeth.

Putting It All Together

So, to recap:

1.  Dental plaque is forming 24/7 on every surface of your mouth

2.  Dental plaque is composed of approx. 27% bacteria, including several species associated with tooth decay and gum disease

3.  40% of your tooth surfaces are between your teeth where toothbrush bristles are ineffective

4.  It takes from 24-72 hours on average for bacterial plaque to harden into bacterial tartar

5.  Flossing should be done at least every 48 hours in conjunction with brushing – in order to ensure 100% of tooth surfaces are cleaned

6.  The best time to floss and brush is right before bed, so your mouth is as clean as possible during your dormant hours

7.  Gum disease rarely presents any significant signs or symptoms until it’s too late and irreparable damage has been done

In conclusion, despite major advancements in dental prosthetics (prosthodontics), there is NO dental implant, crown, bridge, veneer, filling, root canal, full or partial denture that can compare to the “real thing” – natural teeth.

As the old saying goes, “There’s just nothing like the original equipment.”

And you can quite easily increase your odds of keeping your original equipment for your entire life!

Flossing at least every other day is one very quick and simple way to take care of that often neglected 40% that leads to so many problems.

For more information on flossing and oral hygiene, see the other articles on our site.

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