The medical and hygienic benefits of flossing

A lot of people think that brushing their teeth is enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While this is a good start, people should really go further when it comes to oral hygiene. Flossing isn’t a particularly popular regimen when it comes to cleaning the teeth and gums partly because people have difficulties in flossing properly which is why they don’t even bother. But according to Dr. Kami Hoss, flossing can bring forth many medical and hygienic benefits. Here are just some of those benefits.

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Prevents the accumulation of plaque: Tartar can accumulate between the teeth without you knowing. Not every bathroom has a magnifying mirror nor does everyone check the crevices between their teeth carefully. Daily flossing allows you to remove plaque and prevent tartar from ever forming in our gum line.

Prevents foul breath: Bad breath is often caused when food particles remain in the teeth or gums. Bacteria in the food particles break down and produces an unpleasant smell. This usually occurs when you aren’t thorough with oral hygiene before you go to sleep. Flossing allows you to remove food particles in hard to reach areas, preventing bad breath from occurring.

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Lowers risks of gum disease: When plaque is left unattended for extended periods, it’s possible for you to get gum disease. According to Dr. Kami Hoss, gum disease occurs when the gums get inflamed or get an infection. An example of gum disease is periodontal disease in which the plaque slowly eats away at the soft gum tissues. In later stages, extreme decay can even cause root canal problems.

Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also the chief executive officer of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. To know more about Dr. Hoss, visit this website.

The do’s and don’ts of smart flossing

A critical part of optimal oral care is dental flossing, which eliminates plaque that can build up in between teeth and cause tooth decay or gum disease. It helps clean the dark, tight spaces in between teeth, places that are normally out of your toothbrush’s reach. Here are some tips from dentist and author Dr. Kami Hoss when it comes to smart flossing.

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Do it gently and at least once a day According to the American Dental Association, you should floss your teeth once every day, a habit you can get into before you go to bed every night. Beware harsh and excessive flossing, as it won’t deliver further benefit and can even damage and irritate sensitive gum tissue.


Bleeding gums? Don’t give up on the floss What you should realize is that the bleeding isn’t really caused by flossing, but instead by gum inflammation or disease. If you find your gums bleeding often, it’s about time to check with your dentist and ask about the overall well-being of your gums and teeth.

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Explore different floss props You can choose from waxed or unwaxed string, tape, holders, braided floss, threaders, and power flossers, to name a few. Dr. Kami Hoss says that as long as you’re gentle while you floss, you can experiment with what works for you best. Ask your dentist, too, for sound advice!


Apply the right technique Use some 18 inches of floss, and hold a short amount of it between your thumb and fingers. Insert the floss between your teeth. Gently move it in a slow back-and-forth motion as well as up and down. Avoid applying too much pressure and re-using string that’s been previously used and could already be harboring germs.


Kami Hoss, MS, DDS is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists. He is also the CEO of Acceledontics, and Howard Healthcare Academy. He holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. Read more about his practice on this site.