Flossers check in - seriously! Flossing daily does work

[LynneSin]

I hated flossing, but this past year I've made an extra effort to floss every day and my last checkup the hygienst wasn't as horrid on my teeth as before.

Who else is a dedicated believer in flossing.

[Blue Diadem]

1. Flossing and those little brush pics do wonders for me.

I have a few teeth that are so tight together that floss can't make it through without shredding. So I floss the upper part and use the little brush pics for the gum line area. Works like a charm.

[Silver Swan]

2. I have been a dedicated flosser for decades.

And the hygienist has told me my home care is excellent.

Unfortunately, this doesn't help much if you have an inherited propensity for periodontal disease. In that case only tens of thousands of dollars can help, apparently.

[Crabby Appleton]

3. Butt floss or teeth floss?

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

4. Every day flosser here

:hi:

[Arugula Latte]

5. I am big on flossing ... and it has lots of health benefits

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art30289.asp

Gums are loaded with bacteria. Some are good, some are bad. Flossing between each tooth everyday keeps plaque from forming and the harmful bacteria at a safe level. If teeth are not flossed, these bacteria multiply and can wreak havoc on your gum tissues, causing gingivitis which left untreated can lead to periodontitis. Because periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, it can easily spread throughout the body, having a devastating affect on the heart, lungs and premature births.

“What are the risks of periodontitis?”
Periodontitis as a result of not flossing can cause inflammatory disease throughout the body. Study’s have found links to the following health issues:
# Cardiovascular disease:harmful bacteria that enter the bloodstream through infected gums can cause heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke
# Respiratory disease: overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth can be aspirated and settle in the lung tissues
# Premature births: women with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely

[greenbriar]

6. yup

flossing and an electric toothbrush helped my teeth greatly according to my hygienist

[bikebloke]

7. I finally gave in and started.

A greedy capitalist dentist swayed me. They talked about playing the insurance codes so I could come in every two months. Fuck 'em. So grudgingly I started flossing and using the gum pick every day (except when travelling - not always possible on the road or in hostel dorms). I admit, they are better. Just as clean as the last time I visited the capitalist.

[Red State Rebel]

8. You don't have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!

From my dear Dentist...,.

[TK421]

9. My gums bleed when I do it...does that mean it's working?

[Arugula Latte]

10. Keep doing it, even if they bleed, and they will "toughen" up.

In fact, bleeding is a sign that you need to floss more. Healthy gums shouldn't bleed from flossing.

[TK421]

11. I guess I'll start flossing more....no, my gums are not in the best shape

you're right about that

[Demoiselle]

12. You might want to see a dentist for a deep cleaning. They can reach places you can't.

[TK421]

13. I have no coverage....not since I was laid off in June

:-(

[Demoiselle]

16. I'm sorry! I hope things get better for you real soon.

In the meantime, floss and rinse with a good oral antiseptic and try all the other tricks that you'll probably find on dental care websites.
(I even learned that I wasn't quite flossing properly!)

[MajorChode]

14. I floss every day

It's very rare that I miss a day. I do it every morning and I keep floss at work just in case I miss it in the morning. I also get a cleaning twice per year and they go very quickly. It's kind of a shame that they still charge me full price. I pay about $75 for each cleaning and a bit more for occasional x-rays. My insurance covers probably less than half that and it pays almost nothing for restorative work, which I haven't needed for many years.

I'm a firm believer that regular brushing and flossing is the best dental insurance you can get.

[ThatsMyBarack]

15. I not only floss my teeth....

I also have to use those little plastic needles to floss under my bridgework!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. My dear LynneSin!

Absolutely!

Every day, at bedtime...

I am Dedicated!

:hi:

[sarge43]

18. I'm a believer

Since I got serious about flossing, decay has dropped way down (of course, no longer main lining soda helps, too) and hygienist doesn't have to chisel out the gunk.

[rurallib]

19. been doing it for @ 3 decades

now have added an under the gum electric brush and that little between the teeth brush.
DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH THE TONGUE ALSO.
and mouthwash to top it off.

[quakerboy]

20. The little floss pick things are magic

my fingers are stubby and too big to do traditional floss well. plus it allows one hand use, which means I can use them while driving without causing an accident.

[LostInAnomie]

21. It's a good way to get a smaller second helping of a good meal.