Flossing is not an optional extra – Dental Health Week 2018

Why is flossing is a key part of your oral care?

Here’s something you may not know – nearly half the surface area of your teeth lies between them. And no, we’re not telling you this so you can ace your next trivia night.

The fact is, if you’re relying solely on brushing you’re not effectively cleaning a large portion of your teeth; so, flossing should be an essential part of your oral care routine and not an optional extra. By using floss to remove the plaque from between your teeth, you’re helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and halitosis (otherwise known as “bad breath”). That’s a lot of upside for just a couple of minutes spent each day flossing between your teeth.

3 things that make flossing easier:

1. Learn the correct technique – A dentist can teach you the right technique so you can floss efficiently from the word go.
2. Use a floss threader – Ideal if you have braces or a bridge, these are loops of fibre that thread floss into small places around your teeth.
3. Use a floss pick – Made up of two prongs with dental floss strung between them, they’re perfect if you struggle with traditional flossing techniques.

For more information and tips on flossing, download the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) flossing fact sheet.