Flossing is a simple step toward big health benefits

Taking small, consistent steps can lead to significant improvements in oral health.

Virginia G. Carrillo, MEd, RDH, assistant professor/clinical

Virginia G. Carrillo, MEd, BSDH, RDH, a dental hygienist at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, shared valuable insights for those looking to enhance their oral care routine. Among her top recommendations? Flossing regularly.

"Flossing might be uncomfortable at first, especially if the gums are tender due to inflammation or if someone is not in the habit of flossing," but taking the step to commit to it regularly can drastically enhance the health of teeth, gums and overall health, Carrillo said.

When it comes to advising her patients on flossing, Carrillo, an assistant professor/clinical in the Department of Periodontics' Division of Dental Hygiene, stresses the importance of tailoring the approach to an individual's age and stage of life.

"As clinicians, we evaluate a patient's dexterity and comprehension levels before recommending oral health care tools," she said. "There are many types of floss on the market, so it's important to help each patient find one that fits their needs."

String floss

String floss is the most traditional flossing tool and while there are several brands on store shelves, Carrillo says proper technique is more important than the type of floss chosen - she advocates for the c-shape technique.

"C-shape flossing allows the patient to move the floss up and down between adjoining teeth to remove plaque, a sticky biofilm that naturally forms on the tooth's surface, and food debris," Carrillo said

To use the c-shape technique, remove a forearm-length of floss and wrap the ends around each middle finger, so index fingers and thumbs are free to guide floss around teeth. Starting at the back of the upper or lower jawline, gently slide floss between teeth while curving it into a c-shape around the side of one tooth. Move the floss back and forth while taking it below the gum line as far as it will go and back up again. Before removing the floss, repeat the motion on the adjacent tooth.

It's important to keep flossing gentle, Carrillo said. "Popping the floss between the teeth may cause trauma to the gums. The c-shape flossing technique takes time to learn and build on like any new skill," she said.

Floss picks

For patients who have difficulty pinching or grasping objects or for those who struggle with traditional flossing, Carrillo might recommend a floss pick over string floss.

A dental floss pick is a small plastic tool with a curved end that holds a short length of floss in place, making it a comfortable tool to hold. To use, the floss section should be pushed between teeth using a gentle sawing motion. Once in place, a soft up and down movement will help release plaque.

"I like to explain that the gingival tissues or gums will not hug a dirty tooth, they will pull away from the tooth until the bacterial plaque biofilm is removed," Carrillo said. "Toothbrushing is very important, but it does not reach in between teeth to effectively remove plaque."

The bacteria that grow and colonize on plaque within the crevices of teeth and under the gumline are what leads to cavities, gum disease, dental infections and other complications.

Water flosser

"Patients with braces have more of a flossing challenge since they must work around the wires and brackets of their braces," Carrillo said. Dental implants, crowns and other appliances can also make it difficult to remove plaque and trapped food.

A water flosser is a tool that Carrillo might recommend to a patient of hers who is having trouble with other flossing methods. The device uses a stream of pulsating water to clean between dental appliances, between teeth and within the gum line.

For patients with bridges and implants, Carrillo finds that using a water flosser in combination with another flossing method ensures the surfaces between teeth are thoroughly cleaned.

For proper usage of a water flosser, Carrillo recommends asking for a demonstration by a dental provider.

Be true to your teeth

Eddie M. Cortez, DDS

"Brushing your teeth only cleans 65% of the exposed surfaces," explained Eddie M. Cortez, DDS, a provider at UT Dentistry's General Dentistry Clinic. "The other 35% comes from flossing, which cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush can't reach."

Flossing helps remove plaque and preserves the bone that supports your teeth. It also prevents gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Cortez warns that gum disease is linked to an increased risk of more serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and may contribute to their progression, but a good oral hygiene routine can help.

"Flossing lowers your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and even bad breath," he said.

For those who struggle to remember to floss, Cortez suggests a few practical tips:

1. Place the floss on your toothbrush or in plain sight.
2. Set a daily alarm reminder on your phone.
3. Post sticky notes on your bathroom mirror as a visual cue.

"I've seen too many patients who haven't been flossing and end up paying for it with tartar buildup, bone loss and cavities," he said. "Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you - floss daily."

To learn more about UT Dentistry's General Dentistry Clinic call 210-567-6453 or find information online.

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