{"id":1275,"date":"2020-04-20T17:01:17","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T17:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.davidkaodds.com\/blog\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2020-04-20T17:01:17","modified_gmt":"2020-04-20T17:01:17","slug":"how-much-flossing-is-too-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.davidkaodds.com\/blog\/how-much-flossing-is-too-much\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Flossing is Too Much?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The statistics show that the vast majority of Americans will never need this question answered.\u00a0<\/span>Less than 40%<\/span><\/a>\u00a0of us report that we floss daily. However, there is a small percentage of people that may be flossing too vigorously. Essentially, unless you can feel food stuck in your teeth, then you should only be flossing once a day. Plaque takes between\u00a0<\/span>24 and 48 hours<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to form and harden, so flossing more than once in a 24 hour period is generally unnecessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, even if you only floss once a day, there is still the potential for over-flossing. This category of over-flossing has to do with poor technique. Practicing a \u201csawing\u201d motion up into your gum isn\u2019t just uncomfortable, but it can cause lasting damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Truth About Over-Flossing<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Regardless of how frequently you floss, you need to follow an approved technique to avoid damage. If you\u2019re allowing the floss to put too much pressure on the gum line or are physically cutting into the gum, then you can cause premature recession. The result of gum recession is an increased exposure of the roots of your teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The increased surface area and baring of sensitive tissues can make you more susceptible to developing gum disease, even if you\u2019re brushing and flossing regularly. Advanced gum disease will eventually cause bone loss in the jaw, so overly vigorous flossing can be a real problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Proper Flossing Techniques<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>American Dental Hygienists Association<\/span><\/a>\u00a0suggests that you start with a whopping 18 inches of floss. Carefully wind the floss around your middle finger on each hand. Wrap one finger with the majority of the floss, and wrap the other finger once or twice around. This finger will be used to hold floss at it gets dirty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you leave one to two inches of floss between your two hands and pinch each end between your thumb and forefinger for tactile support. You will use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss up in between your teeth. Make sure you do so gently and rub the floss against the edge of each tooth.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may carefully follow the gum line up around the top curve, but you should avoid hitting the gum itself. The purpose is to remove tough-to-reach debris from the inside edges of the tooth, especially near the gum line. You don\u2019t need to exert any pressure on the gum itself, as this can cause lasting damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flossing Alternatives\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re worried that your current technique may be too rough on your gums, don\u2019t hesitate to ask\u00a0<\/span>your dentist<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or hygienist to demonstrate proper flossing while you watch in a mirror. However, if you\u2019re still nervous, then you can use a water or air-powered flosser on the lowest pressure setting to gently clean in between the teeth and along the gum line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you do opt to use an alternative flossing tool, then make sure to use an option approved by the American Dental Association and follow the instructions carefully. When not in use, all flossing instruments should be kept dry and stored properly to prevent bacterial growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping Your Mouth Clean<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

It all boils down to two essential reminders. Just remember to floss daily. and talk with your dentist if you have any concerns. Flossing should not be painful, as you should carefully avoid exerting pressure on the gum line itself. If there\u2019s some bleeding, then you probably already have some level of gum disease, and it\u2019s time to visit your dentist anyway. Once you establish a strict routine to address developing periodontitis, then the bleeding will begin to fade.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The statistics show that the vast majority of Americans will never need this question answered.\u00a0Less than 40%\u00a0of us report that we floss daily. However, there is a small percentage of people that may be flossing too vigorously. Essentially, unless you can feel food stuck in your teeth, then you should only be flossing once a … Continue reading How Much Flossing is Too Much?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1276,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[127],"tags":[146,147,148,24],"class_list":["post-1275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dental-care-at-home","tag-flossing","tag-flossing-tips","tag-oral-care","tag-oral-hygiene"],"yoast_head":"\nAre You Flossing Too Much? - Dental Blog Los Angeles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There is a small percentage of people that may be flossing too vigorously. 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