A key component of gum health, and one that Dr. Holt ardently recommends, is the simple yet often overlooked practice of flossing. In the bustling suburb of West Jordan, Holt Dental Care stands as a beacon of oral health, guided by the expertise of Dr. Joshua Holt. With a singular focus on the well-being of their patients, the team at Holt Dental Care emphasizes not just the aesthetics of a beautiful smile but the foundational health that supports it — particularly the health of your gums. Taking just five minutes out of your day to floss can lead to healthier gums, and here’s why it’s absolutely worth your time.
The Crucial Role of Flossing
Dental floss does more than just remove food particles trapped between your teeth; it’s a frontline defense against plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. When plaque builds up, it can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease — a condition that starts as gingivitis and can escalate to periodontitis, causing serious dental issues. Dr. Holt points out that while brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing cleans the tight spaces between teeth and below the gumline — areas where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Proper Flossing Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide
For flossing to be effective, it must be done correctly. Here’s a simple guide to the proper technique, as recommended by Dr. Holt:
- Length Matters: Start with at least 18 inches of floss. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with.
- Gentle Guidance: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, and guide it gently between your teeth in a rubbing motion.
- Curve and Clean: Once reaching the gumline, curve the floss into a ‘C’ shape against one tooth, and gently work it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. If you are slow and careful, it shouldn’t snap the gums. Gently scrape up the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gumline.
- Repeat with Care: Moving to a clean section of floss for each tooth, repeat this process and remember to gently remove the floss by using the same back-and-forth motion to bring it up and away from the teeth.
The Effectiveness of Flossing Substitutes
While traditional string floss is the gold standard, Dr. Holt understands that for some, using it can be challenging due to physical limitations or preferences. Fortunately, there are effective substitutes:
Floss Picks
Floss picks, which hold a small piece of floss taut on a plastic handle, can be easier to manage for those with dexterity issues or for flossing one-handed. While convenient, they might not allow for the same control or ability to curve around the tooth and under the gumline as effectively as traditional floss. Dr. Holt recommends using floss picks if they encourage more consistent flossing habits but emphasizes trying to be as thorough as possible.
Water Flossers
Water flossers such as Airfloss use a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline. They are particularly beneficial for people with braces, dental implants, or those who find traditional floss difficult. Clinical studies have shown that water flossers can be highly effective in reducing gingivitis and removing plaque. Dr. Holt suggests that while water flossers are an excellent tool, incorporating traditional flossing techniques when possible can provide the most comprehensive clean.
Conclusion: Flossing Is Non-Negotiable for Healthy Gums
Investing five minutes a day into flossing can significantly impact your oral health. By effectively removing plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and at the gumline, you’re not just preventing gum disease; you’re also contributing to your overall health. Conditions like heart disease and diabetes have been linked to gum disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
At Holt Dental Care in West Jordan, Dr. Joshua Holt and his team are committed to providing the best dental care and education to their patients. Remember, flossing isn’t just an optional part of your oral hygiene routine — it’s a crucial step towards healthier gums and a healthier you.
Incorporating flossing into your daily routine doesn’t require a significant time commitment, but it does require consistency. Whether you prefer traditional floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, the important thing is to make floss a non-negotiable part of your daily oral hygiene regimen. Your gums — and your dentist — will thank you.
