Is it ok to use dental floss everyday?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to use dental floss every day. Dental professionals often recommend flossing as a way to keep your teeth clean and guard against plaque and tartar buildup. Floss can reach into areas where a toothbrush doesn’t easily fit. Daily flossing is a smart addition to your oral care routine.

What Happens If You Don’t Floss?

Flossing your teeth is an effective way of cleaning the spaces between your teeth. Floss also reaches between your teeth and your gums.

Sometimes particles of food can get stuck in those places. Floss dislodges them so that they don't become a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria. With flossing, you can also remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a tooth-covering film that develops as food and bacteria mix together.

If you don't clean away food bits and plaque, your oral health can start to suffer. Lingering plaque turns into tartar. That's a hard substance that sticks to your teeth and causes damage. Tartar is nearly impossible to remove at home and usually requires a dentist's intervention.

Plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to a variety of problems. They include gum inflammation and cavities. Eventually, you could experience advanced periodontal disease, tooth infections or even tooth loss.

How Often Should You Floss?

Ideally, you’ll floss your teeth every day. If you’re staying on top of daily flossing, then there will be fewer opportunities for plaque to build up. It will be less likely to develop into tartar that must be removed by a dentist.

But while dental professionals recommend twice-daily toothbrushing, you don’t have to floss quite that often. Once a day is sufficient.

You may be wondering, “How long can I go without flossing?” If that’s your line of thinking, it may be time to shift your perspective. Instead of trying to stretch out your flossing sessions as far as possible, get into the groove of daily flossing.

When Is the Best Time to Floss?

There isn’t a single best time for flossing that everyone should choose. You can set up a routine that works for you.

If mornings allow you the most time for extra oral care, then floss at that time. If you’d prefer to floss before bed, that’s fine too. You could even choose to floss over your lunch break.

It also doesn’t particularly matter whether you floss before or after brushing. Pick your preference and then make it a habit.

Can a Dentist Tell If You Don’t Floss? 

Yes, dentists can tell who flosses and who doesn’t. If you're not using dental floss on a regular basis, your gums might bleed as they're being cleaned. That can be a pretty big clue to dentists. Other signs that you're not flossing include visible plaque and tartar, discolored teeth, and unpleasant breath.

So if you’re tempted to fudge the truth about your flossing habits, don’t bother. Your dentist will know whether you’re telling a fib. Instead, be honest about how often you floss. Your dentistry team may be able to provide suggestions that will help you establish a flossing routine.

Daily flossing is an especially good idea if you’re using a natural variety of floss. All-natural dental flosses are made of good-for-the-planet materials like corn, candelilla wax and essential oils. You can rest assured that you’re not creating non-biodegradable waste or putting unnecessary chemicals into your body. Rather, you are caring for your oral health, the planet and your overall wellness as you floss daily.  We have a few options of biodegradable dental floss that you need to try !  Choose one here