To Floss Or Not To Floss

August 11, 2016

There has been a lot of hype these last two weeks about flossing. We have all heard from several sources that flossing really isn't as advantageous as we have been told by our dental professionals.

A blue box of dental floss on a white background.

The people on the side of "not flossing" have said there is no statistical evidence that flossing helps. There have been no studies proving the worth of flossing. I can tell you from many years of experience that flossing DOES indeed help keep teeth and gums healthy in a comprehensive dental regime of brushing, flossing and regular dental visits. I have seen firsthand where patients with several levels or gum disease were helped immensely as their home care started to include flossing. That same observation occurred with a decrease of tooth decay in patients who had never flossed.


On the negative side:

  • It takes extra time to do
  • Some people have difficulty doing it correctly
  • The gums might bleed as you floss (but this stops when the gums become healthy with good home care)
  • You do have to keep a supply of floss around
  • There may be some contours of the teeth that flossing does not reach


On the positive side

  • It does clean the sides of the teeth which decreases acid buildup from plaque that causes cavities
  • Reduction in plaque keeps gums healthy and strong
  • Keeping the sides of the teeth clean decreases gum swelling which will spread teeth apart and create spaces
  • Gums will bleed much less, if at all, when done correctly
  • Esthetics are much better as swelling and bleeding are kept to a minimum
  • As more plaque is removed between the teeth there is less mouth odor


So as can be seen, we as dental professionals are firm believers in flossing. It is indeed true that brushing and flossing on their own will not do it all. Every dental care program MUST include regular visits to the dentist at 3 to 6 month intervals to clean those areas that can't be reached by brushing or flossing alone. We are here to help all our patients attain and then maintain a very healthy mouth! 


Photo by The Clear Communication People


↖ Older Article

Newer Article ↗ 

Subscribe to Dr. Annie's newsletter

Latest Articles

Dentist and patient in exam room; patient smiles, wearing bib; doctor wears mask, gloves.

Comfort First: How We Help Patients with Dental Anxiety Feel at Ease

By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • October 6, 2025
For many people, visiting the dentist can feel intimidating. Whether it’s a fear of needles, sensitivity to sound, or past experiences that created unease, dental anxiety is more common than you may think. At Amaze Dental in Kirkland, we believe that every patient deserves compassionate, personalized care that prioriti

Fresh Breath, Fresh Confidence: How to Treat Halitosis

By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • September 7, 2025
There are few things as uncomfortable, or as socially awkward, as realizing you have bad breath. While everyone experiences it occasionally after some garlic fries or first thing in the morning, persistent bad breath can signal a more serious issue known as halitosis . This condition affects millions of people and is one of the most common reasons patients seek advice from their dentist. The good news is that with proper care, halitosis can usually be managed or even eliminated.

Teeth Whitening: What You Need to Know Before Brightening Your Smile

By Dr. Annie Mazure-Schmidt • August 12, 2025
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic questions that come up during dental visits. A whiter smile can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and give you a fresh, clean look. With so many whitening options available, from store-bought kits to professional treatments, it’s important to understand how whitening works, which option is best for you, and how to achieve safe, lasting results.
Show more articles

Share this article