When your dentist in Owings Mills reminds you to floss, it might feel like a broken record. You’re not alone if you sometimes skip it. But at Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Ed Lazer and Dr. Andrey Doroshenko see flossing not as a nagging chore, but as the single most important thing you can do at home to protect the beautiful, healthy smile we work together to build. Think of it as the essential daily maintenance for your most valuable asset.
Why is this tiny piece of string such a big deal? Because while brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, floss is the only tool designed to clean the sides. It’s the critical defender of the areas where most problems secretly begin.
The “Why”: What Your Toothbrush Can’t Do
Imagine cleaning only the front and back of a fence but never between the slats. That’s what skipping floss is like for your teeth. A brush, no matter how advanced, cannot reach the tight contact points between your teeth or slip just below the gumline.
This is where plaque loves to hide. If left undisturbed, this plaque hardens into tartar (which only a professional cleaning can remove) and begins to attack in two ways:
- It Causes Decay: Bacteria feed on food particles and produce acid. This acid eats away at the enamel on the sides of your teeth, leading to cavities between teeth. These are some of the most common and surprising cavities we see.
- It Causes Gum Disease: The bacteria irritate your gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis). Your gums may become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If not addressed, this can advance to periodontitis, damaging the bone that supports your teeth. For a practice that specializes in cosmetic artistry and implant restoration, our first goal is always to help you keep your natural teeth healthy and strong.
The “How”: Mastering the Technique with Our Dentists in Owings Mills
Many people think they’re flossing, but a quick technique check can make all the difference. Here’s our simple guide:
- Take About 18 Inches of floss and wind most around one middle finger. Wind the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the used floss.
- Pinch & Guide: Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with.
- Gently Glide: Using a gentle rubbing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Never snap it down, as this can injure the gum tissue.
- Form a “C”: Once at the gumline, curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel slight resistance.
- Scrub & Move: Holding the floss against the tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum in an up-and-down motion. Repeat on the adjacent tooth. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
Choosing Your Tools: There’s a Floss for Everyone
One size does not fit all. The best floss is the one you’ll use consistently. Our team can help you choose during your visit:
- Standard Nylon Floss: Comes waxed (easier to slide) or unwaxed.
- Dental Tape: Broader and flatter, great for wider spaces.
- PTFE Floss: Slides easily between very tight teeth without shredding.
- Super Floss: Has a stiff end (like a threader), a spongy middle, and regular floss. It’s best for cleaning around bridges, dental implants, or braces.
- Water Flosser: An excellent, clinically proven alternative if you have dexterity issues, braces, or implants. It uses a stream of water to disrupt plaque.
Beyond the String: How Our Practice Elevates Your Prevention
At Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry, we believe prevention is the ultimate form of aesthetic dentistry. A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. That’s why we go beyond the reminder:
- We Demonstrate: At your hygiene visit, we’re happy to watch you floss and offer gentle, personalized tips.
- We Prescribe: Based on the unique spacing and restorations in your mouth, we can recommend the specific type of floss or interdental brush that will work best for you.
- We Use Technology: With intraoral cameras, we can show you, in real-time, the areas your routine might be missing, making the “why” visual and undeniable.
Your Smile’s Daily Foundation
Dr. Lazer’s passion for creating stunning smiles and Dr. Doroshenko’s expertise in complex restorations are built on a foundation of healthy teeth and gums. Flossing is the cornerstone of that foundation. It protects your investment in your smile and is your best defense against needing more complex treatment down the road.
Have questions about your technique or the right tools for your smile? Don’t guess. Ask our hygienist or doctors at your next visit. We’re your partners in creating a healthy, beautiful, and sustainable smile that lasts a lifetime.
Ready for a cleaning and a personalized hygiene consultation? Schedule your appointment with our Owings Mills dental team by calling (410) 697-6290 today. You can also request an appointment online anytime.