Is Flossing REALLY That Important?
Yes, it is true: many of the patients I encounter neglect flossing, to a degree. I support flossing and think it is as important as brushing your teeth. Attached is an article by Trisha E. O’Hehir, RDH, MS suggesting flossing as being even more important due the fact that it is so neglected; I see her point. Sadly, I've seen literature that suggests even fewer than 13% of patients floss (more along the magnitude of 7%).
I usually suggest that patients floss just once per day. I like to recommend flossing at night, prior to brushing, as opposed to being in a rush in the morning and feeling there just isn't any time. This way one has more time to commit to its meticulous nature. At the end of the day it may be easier to truly give the few minutes of concentration it takes to properly perform the flossing technique. If you are unsure of what that proper technique entails, next time you are at the dentist ask for formal instructions on flossing. That one minute it takes for the dentist, assistant, or hygienist to show you may surprise you. Often patients reveal that they have never had formal flossing instruction. Sometimes what you think may be the correct way to floss can be very different from what the actual technique entails.
The kind of floss you use (waxed, unwaxed, etc...) doesn’t necessarily matter as long as you are implementing the technique the right way. Patients who have larger gaps between their teeth may benefit from other aides such as interproximal brushes (those Christmas tree shaped brushes that go between the teeth).
Also, you may remember seeing commercials some years back about Listerine being an adequate substitute for flossing....sorry to say that claim was disputed and actually the company retracted the claim. Although phenol or cetylpyridinium chloride (cpc) rinses like Listerine or Crest Pro-Health rinses are great adjuncts to your home care, there is no substitute for appropriate brushing and flossing technique.