The Floss Confession: Even Your Dentist Struggles Sometimes!

Hello everyone, this is Dr. Noor!

Today, we need to talk about the "F-word" in dental care... flossing. We dentists talk about it all the time. We ask if you're doing it, we demonstrate how to do it, we extoll its virtues. But can I let you in on a little secret?

Okay, deep breath... confession time. Even as a dentist, dedicated to the art and science of healthy smiles, there are days when the last thing I want to do before collapsing into bed is meticulously weave a string between every single tooth. Yes, even I can get lazy with flossing sometimes! Life gets busy, we get tired, and that little spool of minty string seems like a monumental effort.

So, if you've ever felt guilty skipping the floss, please know you're not alone, and I completely understand the temptation.

But... Why Do We Dentists Nag About It So Much?

Understanding the why can sometimes fuel the will. Your toothbrush does a fantastic job on the chewing surfaces and the fronts and backs of your teeth. But those tight spaces between your teeth? That's prime real estate for plaque parties and hidden food debris – areas your brush bristles simply can't reach effectively (we're talking about missing roughly 35-40% of your tooth surfaces!). Flossing is the superhero that swoops into those tiny gaps to evict those unwanted guests, preventing cavities between teeth and keeping your gums healthy and inflammation-free.

Okay, So How Do We Overcome the "Floss Laziness"?

Knowing it's important is one thing; actually doing it consistently is another. Here are some tricks and tools that can help bridge that gap, even for someone like me on a tired evening:

1. Make it Visible & Accessible: Out of sight, out of mind! If your floss is buried in a drawer, it's easy to forget. Try keeping it right next to your toothbrush, or even get a pack of floss picks (more on those later) and keep them by your bedside table or where you relax in the evening (like near the TV remote!).

   
   

2. Habit Stacking: Link flossing to something you already do without thinking. Floss right before you brush, so it becomes part of one routine. Or, if evenings are tough, maybe try flossing after lunch?

   
   

3. Lower the Bar (At First): Feeling overwhelmed? Don't aim for perfect flossing technique seven days a week right away. Start with a goal of just 2-3 times a week, or even just flossing the front teeth. Build momentum! Any flossing is better than no flossing.

   
   

4. Find Your Floss Soulmate: Not all floss is created equal! If traditional string floss feels like wrestling an octopus, try:

   
   

   • Floss Tape: It's wider and flatter, which some people find easier to handle and gentler on the gums.

   • Floss Picks: These little plastic tools with a small piece of floss stretched across are incredibly convenient. Perfect for keeping in your bag, car, or by the couch for a quick floss while watching TV. They are a fantastic gateway into regular flossing!

     
     

5. Enter the Water Flosser (Like Waterpik™): This is a game-changer for many! A water flosser shoots a pulsating stream of water between teeth and along the gumline.

   
   

   • Pros: It feels great, can be very effective at removing larger debris, and is fantastic for people with braces, bridges, implants, or those who struggle with dexterity. It really helps flush out bacteria from gum pockets.

   • Cons: While excellent, most dentists agree it doesn't quite replicate the mechanical scraping action of traditional floss for removing sticky plaque film right at the contact point between teeth.

     
     

     • Verdict: A water flosser is an excellent addition to your routine, and for some people (especially those who really won't use string floss), it can be a primary alternative. Many people love using both – floss first, then water flosser for a super-clean feeling.

       
       

6. Explore Other Interdental Cleaners: Tiny brushes (like interdental brushes or Soft-Picks®) are also available. These are great for cleaning slightly larger gaps between teeth or around orthodontic work.

Finding Your Rhythm

The key is finding what works for you and makes you more likely to clean between your teeth regularly. Maybe it's floss picks during the week and traditional floss on weekends. Maybe it's a water flosser every morning. Don't feel pressured to stick to one method if another makes consistency easier.

So, let's make a pact. We acknowledge that flossing isn't always fun, but we know it's important. Let's find the tools and tricks that help us beat the laziness and give those hidden tooth surfaces the attention they deserve!

Here's to finding your flossing rhythm!

Warmly,

Dr. Noor N. AyToghlo