What to Do When Dental Floss Does Not Work

Have you ever found yourself wishing that you could skip the flossing and get right to business when dental floss doesn't work? If you have, you are not alone. More than 20% of the population suffers from some kind of dental floss related problem and if you find yourself suffering from these problems, do yourself a favor and learn how to change this behavior.

First of all, it is important to know that dental floss works. This might seem obvious to those who have never had a problem with it, but for those of us who have had it, we can appreciate that fact. Flossing is a necessary part of good oral hygiene and is designed to pick up bits and pieces of food that might otherwise end up between your teeth and gums. It also prevents hard, crunchy foods from getting caught in your teeth and between your gums. Dental floss is not just an expensive luxury; it is a necessity.

The first step to making sure that flossing works is to make sure that you have the proper tools on hand. This is usually the brush and floss, or the dental floss itself. If you are unable to floss properly with just these two items, you may want to consider purchasing the dental flossing tool, which will allow you to get into the deeper layers of the teeth without needing to worry about any of the lower teeth. These tools are inexpensive and can be obtained at almost any store where dental supplies are sold.

The next step to learning when flossing does not work is to simply continue to use it in the hopes that it will work. In other words, do not think that you are in for a lifetime of flossing if you find that it does not work one time. Typically, it is more effective to change the type of floss you are using than it is to switch brands. If you simply cannot seem to get the flossing job done, you may need to find a different brand or type of floss. The rule of thumb is, though, that if it does not hurt, then you probably will not see significant results after flossing.

When dental flossing does not work, the first place you should look to see if there is an underlying problem is in your mouth. Many people experience problems with their mouths each time that they floss, so it is important to address this issue right away. A dry mouth is one potential cause, especially if you are not drinking enough water or taking in enough saliva. Another common cause is gum disease, which may be evidenced by cavities or inflamed gums, as well as by the presence of periodontal pockets of plaque.

In addition to addressing any current dental issues that may be inhibiting your flossing, the next step may be to look at your diet. Often, our food choices today are less than fresh and are packed with preservatives and other unhealthy chemicals. This can easily inhibit your ability to floss on a regular basis, as well as to keep the teeth clean overall. Instead, you should focus on including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet as well as lean proteins and healthy carbohydrates. By combining a healthy diet with flossing on a regular basis, you will be able to maintain healthy gums and teeth for many years to come.