Should I Floss Once or Twice a Day?

Oral hygiene seems straightforward. Brush twice a day, floss, done, right? But wait, does that mean flossing once per day is enough, or should you floss at least twice each day, like brushing?  

Why Floss?

Brushing helps remove plaque and food from the surface of your teeth, but it often misses the spaces between them. Unfortunately, plaque and bacteria can settle into these spaces, leading to a range of dental issues.

Flossing works by cleaning these hard-to-reach spaces, removing debris, and disrupting the buildup of plaque. This is why dental professionals recommend flossing every day as a necessary part of your routine.

• Prevents Gum Disease: Flossing minimizes the risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease by removing plaque from below the gum line.
• Reduces Risk of Cavities: By cleaning between your teeth, flossing prevents the buildup of plaque that can lead to decay in those hard-to-reach areas.
• Fresh Breath: A thorough oral hygiene routine that includes flossing maintains fresh breath and a clean-feeling mouth.
• Overall Health: Studies have found a connection between poor oral hygiene and systemic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Flossing Once vs. Twice a Day

Most dental professionals and the American Dental Association recommend flossing at least once a day as part of your oral hygiene routine. However, the question of whether to floss once or twice daily doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer.

Is Once Per Day Enough?

Research and expert recommendations suggest that flossing at least once is effective at maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Doing this before bed is particularly beneficial because it clears out the day's accumulation of food particles and plaque, ensuring that your mouth is clean as you sleep.

When Might You Need to Floss Twice

Flossing twice a day is also appropriate for most people. It is an excellent idea to tie your flossing habit to your brushing habit. You know yourself, so if you think you may neglect flossing unless you make a habit of flossing every time you brush, then twice a day might be ideal for you.

And while once-a-day flossing is sufficient for most, certain cases might call for flossing more often. If you've recently had a meal that left noticeable food particles stuck between your teeth or if you're undergoing orthodontic treatment like braces that make flossing more challenging, it might be helpful to floss multiple times per day.

Is Over-Flossing Possible?

Excessive flossing, such as more than twice a day, hasn't been shown to be more beneficial than flossing 1-2 times per day. However, if you are flossing safely, it shouldn't be harmful either. Aggressive or incorrect flossing, on the other hand, might irritate your gums, leading to discomfort, bleeding, or even damage.

Proper Flossing Technique

Start with several inches of floss. Slide the floss between your teeth carefully. Avoid snapping or forcing it, as this can hurt your gums. Make a "C" shape around one tooth and gently move it up and down along the side of the tooth and just below the gumline. Repeat this on the adjacent tooth before moving to the next space. Make sure to use a clean section for each tooth. And, once you're done, throw away the used floss. Floss is not reusable!

If traditional floss isn't working for you, consider other tools designed to clean between your teeth effectively, such as a floss pick or a water flosser.

Better Oral Health With Regular Flossing

A healthy smile starts with small daily habits like brushing and flossing. Still have questions about flossing or other aspects of your dental hygiene routine? Schedule a visit with our office for personalized advice.