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Estero Bay Dental shares simple flossing tips for patients in Estero and Bonita Springs, and Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team are glad to show you the right technique in person at your next visit.
Flossing is an important part of an oral hygiene routine. It is simple and only takes an extra couple of minutes per day, and building the habit can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It may even help you keep more of your natural teeth as you age.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team are happy to walk you through the best way to floss, so you can feel confident about what you do at home between visits.
A toothbrush cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot reach the tight spaces between them. Plaque builds up in those spaces, and if it is not removed, it can irritate the gums and contribute to cavities between the teeth. Flossing reaches what the brush cannot, which is why the American Dental Association recommends that everyone floss. Even if you have restorations such as crowns or veneers, good oral hygiene is essential for protecting them and your overall oral health.
So what is the most effective way to floss? Follow these steps, and ask us for a quick in-person tutorial if you would like to see the technique demonstrated.
The American Dental Association recommends using a strand of floss approximately 18 inches in length. Use clean floss as you move between teeth. One of the easiest ways to do this is to loop each end around your fingers and begin with the area closest to one end, then unwind fresh floss as you go. The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site offers more guidance on flossing if you would like to read further.
Many people stop flossing because it feels awkward at first. The table below covers a few common challenges and ideas for handling them.
| Challenge | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Gums Bleed When You Floss | Keep flossing gently and let us know at your next visit, since bleeding can be a sign of gum irritation. |
| Floss Shreds or Catches | Mention it to your dentist, who can check for rough edges or other causes. |
| Hard to Reach Back Teeth | Take your time with the C-shape technique, or ask us whether a floss holder might help. |
| Bridges or Dental Work | Ask our team to show you how to clean around and under restorations. |
| Forgetting to Floss | Link flossing to another habit, such as brushing before bed. |
Flossing works best as one part of a complete routine. In addition to flossing, you should use proper brushing technique and visit your dentist at least twice per year for exams and professional cleanings.
| Habit | How Often | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Twice a day | Cleans the tooth surfaces. See our guide on how to brush your teeth. |
| Flossing | At least once a day | Cleans between the teeth where a brush cannot reach. |
| Dental Exam and Cleaning | At least twice a year | Lets us remove hardened tartar and spot changes early. |
Our team can check how well your home care is working during your exam and cleaning, and we also look at your gum health. If we notice signs of trouble, we can talk with you about gum disease care. You may also like our guide to electric versus manual toothbrushes.
We accept many PPO plans, and our team will review your benefits with you, so please see our insurance page. Patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program, a discount program. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office on South Tamiami Trail welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We offer family dentistry for ages 7 and up. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish.
Here are answers to questions we hear often about flossing.
Yes. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone floss to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you have crowns or veneers, good oral hygiene helps protect them and your oral health.
We recommend flossing at least once a day. Our Estero, FL team can help you find a time that fits your routine, such as before bed.
You may not notice immediate results, but over time the habit can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular exams at Estero Bay Dental let us check how your gums are responding.
Bleeding can be a sign of irritated gums, especially if you are new to flossing. Keep flossing gently and tell us at your next visit so we can examine your gums.
The American Dental Association recommends about 18 inches of floss. Loop the ends around your fingers and use a clean section as you move between teeth.
Yes. In addition to flossing, you should use proper brushing technique and visit your dentist at least twice per year for exams and professional cleanings. We are happy to review your routine at our Estero office.
Absolutely. If you have never flossed, ask our team for a quick in-person tutorial at your next check-up at Estero Bay Dental.
Yes. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time. We also accept many PPO plans and can review your benefits with you.
If you would like a flossing tutorial, or it has been a while since your last cleaning, our Estero, FL team is ready to help. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment today.
