5 Things This Dentist in Amherst, NY Wants You to Know About Flossing

We all know that flossing is one of those things dentists are always on about, but here’s the thing: it’s actually way more powerful than most people give it credit for. 

Hi, I’m Dr. Steve Fabiano, a dentist here in Amherst, NY. I grew up in this community, and now I get to spend my days helping people take care of their smiles. 

Here’s the thing, not flossing is like only washing 60% of your car and wondering why the rest looks grimy.

In fact, about 40% of the surface of your teeth never gets cleaned if you don’t floss. That’s almost half your mouth left wide open to cavities and gum problems. Yikes..

Daily flossing can save you from a whole lot of problems later. It’s cheap, quick, and way more important than most people realize. Here are five things I wish everyone knew.

1. Flossing Isn’t Optional

Your toothbrush does a solid job on the surfaces of your teeth, but it can’t squeeze into those tight little spaces between them. That’s where floss comes in. 

Without it, you’re basically leaving food and bacteria to hang out in the spots your brush can’t reach. Over time, that turns into tartar, which leads to cavities and gum disease. 

Think of flossing as cleaning the 40% of your tooth surface that brushing alone misses.

2. Technique Matters

Flossing isn’t about jamming a string up and down until your gums bleed. Done right, it’s gentle and effective.

Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your fingers, guide it between your teeth, curve it into a “C” around the tooth, and slide it up and down. Don’t snap it into your gums because that’s where people get into trouble.

Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth and don’t forget the way-back molars. If you have braces, bridges, or a permanent retainer, grab a floss threader or water flosser to make the job easier.

3. You’ve Got Options

Not everyone loves string floss, and that’s fine. Picks, water flossers, and tiny interdental brushes all do the job too. 

In fact, water flossers are lifesavers for people with braces or anyone who struggles with dexterity. Interdental brushes are great for larger gaps or around dental work.

At the end of the day, the “best” tool is the one you’ll actually use. If it makes flossing easier or faster, that’s a win.

4. Flossing Supports Overall Health

Here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough. Gum health isn’t just about avoiding cavities, it’s tied to your whole body. 

Gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart problems, and even stroke. So a two-minute habit with a piece of floss can lower your risk for some serious health issues.

5. It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Start

Kids should start flossing as soon as two teeth touch. For adults who’ve avoided flossing, it’s never too late to pick up the habit. Your gums might bleed at first, which is a sign of inflammation. 

With regular flossing, the bleeding usually stops and your gums get healthier. If you have braces, special tools like floss threaders or water flossers can help you clean around wires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to floss if I brush twice a day? Yes. Brushing alone misses the spaces between your teeth where plaque builds up. Flossing covers those areas and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

Should I floss before or after brushing? It doesn’t matter. Some people like to floss first, others prefer after brushing. The most important part is consistency.

What if my gums bleed? It’s normal for gums to bleed a little when you first start flossing. Stick with it and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two. If it doesn’t, check in with your dentist.

Can flossing damage my gums? Only if you do it the wrong way. Don’t force or snap the floss into your gums. Instead, use a gentle motion and curve the floss around each tooth.

Final Thoughts

Flossing might not be the most exciting part of your day, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your mouth healthy. 

Add it to your daily routine, try different tools until you find what works for you, and give your gums the care they deserve. Your smile and your overall health will thank you.