A dentist responds to common excuses for patients who ditch the floss

Patients refusing to floss is a common thing we encounter here at Spa Dental Sydney CBD. Despite the emphasis of a dentist in Sydney CBD on the critical role flossing plays in maintaining good dental health, there are a myriad of reasons patients cite for not taking the time to floss as required. At the heart of the problem is the failure of patients in understanding the important role daily flossing plays in keeping teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Why flossing is so important

Brushing teeth on its own is not enough to keep teeth and gums free of food particles and get rid of the build-up of plaque and tartar. The ‘hidden’ spaces between teeth present ideal environments in which enamel eating bacteria can flourish to develop into hard-to-get-rid-of plaque build-up.

Getting rid of food particles left behind is the first line of defence that prevents bacteria from destroying teeth. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach these areas that are either hard to reach or be seen. Flossing and professional in-clinic teeth cleaning performed by a dentist in Sydney CBD are great ways to target trapped food particles.

Top reasons for patients’ poor flossing habits

We look at some of the familiar excuses we hear from many of our patients.

• There is just no time to floss

When patients first start out flossing, it can take time to learn how to do it properly. We understand that there are many demands on our patients’ time, but oral health habits should be treated as a priority. The benefits of flossing help to protect the patient from potential dental problems that can be quite costly to treat – in terms of time and money.

•  There is no need to floss

Patients are often quick to point out that as they brush their teeth twice a day and swish mouthwash around, there is no need for regular flossing. Whilst brushing and using mouthwash are great things to do, they cannot replace the need to also floss. Patients put at risk the health of their gums and expose teeth to the dangers of developing cavities the longer they avoid flossing.

• Flossing is just too hard

At first, manoeuvring the floss can be a challenge. For patients who experience this difficulty, speaking to the dentist can help find a way forward. Our dental practitioners can illustrate easy techniques to apply or recommend products that will make flossing less of a challenge.

•  Gums bleed when I floss

For patients whose gums bleed when they floss, it is far more important that they continue to floss than completely avoid it. One of the causes of bleeding gums is the evidence of plaque build-up and gum disease. Flossing is critical to get gums healthy again. Please schedule a check-up with our dentist in Sydney CBD if you have bleeding gums or other concerns.

Tips on how to make flossing a habit

• Display a visual reminder in the bathroom. This can take the form of a note-to-self.
• Use a calendar to mark off each day that you floss.
• Make sure you always have floss available and within easy reach.

It takes practice and consistency to build healthy dental habits. For more information on why flossing is so important to oral health, please give us a call at Spa Dental Sydney CBD or pop in to see us.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.