If you’ve ever skipped brushing or flossing your teeth, you’re not alone. You probably know that both brushing and flossing are critical to your oral health, but if you had to choose one, which is worse to skip?
Brushing vs. flossing
Most people have had the importance of brushing their teeth drilled into them from a young age, but flossing is often overlooked. According to one study, only 30 percent of Americans floss every day, and just over 32 percent never floss at all.
Both brushing and flossing should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine. But because so many people don’t do both on an everyday basis, the question arises: Which is worse to skip — brushing or flossing?
Brushing and flossing can feel like a chore, but engaging in both is critical for your oral health. They remove plaque buildup, keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Plaque is a biofilm that contains destructive bacteria that erodes tooth enamel and can lead to decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Brushing targets the plaque on the front and back surfaces of your teeth, while flossing removes plaque from between your teeth and beneath your gum line. However, experts say if you must pick one over the other, you should prioritize flossing. With proper flossing technique, you can reach and remove the most destructive bacteria from those hard-to-clean areas.
The consequences of skipping brushing or flossing
Dental plaque is home to over a thousand bacteria. Neglecting to brush or floss allows that bacteria to thrive, leading to serious problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
When you skip flossing, you raise your risk of:
- Tartar: Plaque that’s left undisturbed hardens into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove.
- Cavities: Skipping flossing often results in cavities between the teeth, which are more difficult to fill than those on the outer surfaces.
- Halitosis: Plaque buildup is a common culprit behind bad breath. Flossing helps remove both plaque and trapped food particles.
- Gum disease: Inflamed, red, or sore gums may be a sign of gingivitis. If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis and even tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease, dementia, and weight gain.
- Tooth discoloration: Plaque and food particles between teeth can cause staining, especially at the edges, leading to yellowing.
- Developing poor habits: Skipping flossing every now and then might not seem serious, but it can lead to long-term lapses in oral care.
- Infections: Chronic neglect can lead to abscesses or infections, sometimes requiring root canals, extractions, or in rare cases, serious medical complications.
Flossing 101
Ideally, you should floss after every meal. But if you can only manage it once a day, try flossing at night before bed to remove any plaque or food particles from the day.
Tips for effective flossing:
- Use waxed floss to reduce breakage.
- Wrap the floss in a c-shape around each tooth.
- Gently slide it up and down, making sure to clean below the gum line.
- Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, which can harm gums.
- Follow with antibacterial mouthwash for an extra clean feeling.
Visiting a dental professional
If you’ve been skipping brushing or flossing and notice signs like plaque buildup, tartar, bad breath, or gum sensitivity, it’s time to see a dental professional. Even with great daily habits, regular cleanings are essential.
Your dentist can detect early signs of decay or gum disease and give you personalized tips for brushing and flossing effectively.
Schedule an appointment with Espire Dental today!
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