Flossing for Healthy Teeth: A Guide from Ravi’s Dental Care, MVP Colony

Posted On: Posted On: May 27, 2025

Flossing does more than just dislodge food stuck between your teeth. It removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tartar buildup. Unlike brushing, which only cleans the front and back surfaces of your teeth, flossing targets those tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can even cause tooth loss. So, flossing isn't optional, it's essential.

Why Flossing Matters

Flossing does more than just dislodge food stuck between your teeth. It removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tartar buildup. Unlike brushing, which only cleans the front and back surfaces of your teeth, flossing targets those tight spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and lead to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can even cause tooth loss. So, flossing isn't optional, it's essential.

How to Floss Using Dental Floss

1. Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
3. Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, forming a C-shape. Gently slide it beneath the gum line.
5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
6. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, as it may injure your gums.

How to Floss Using a Water Flosser

Water flossing is a great solution for people who find string floss difficult to use or have special dental needs. Here’s how you can do it:
Fill the water tank with lukewarm water.

1. Select the appropriate tip and adjust the pressure setting.
2. Lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth.
3. Turn on the flosser and aim the stream at the gumline, moving tooth by tooth.
4. Let the water flush out plaque and food particles.

Both water flossers and dental floss are effective methods for oral hygiene. Studies have shown that water flossers are more effective than dental floss in reducing plaque, especially in hard-to reach areas. This makes them a suitable alternative for individuals with limited dexterity, orthodontic appliances, or dental prostheses.

Dr. Ravi Kumar Konagala’s Expert Recommendations on Flossing

• Consistency is key. Floss once a day, ideally before bedtime, to keep your gums and teeth healthy for life.
• Choose the method that suits your comfort and lifestyle, but make sure to floss daily!

For personalized oral hygiene guidance or a hands-on flossing demonstration, visit Ravi’s Dental Care and Implant Centre in MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam. Your smile deserves nothing less than expert care.

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