FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Everything you always wanted to know about Flossing All in one place. Below is a collection of some questions we get asked all the time. If there's something you want to know that we haven't covered, just ask. A DenTek Floss Expert will get back to you shortly.

I heard that there's a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Is that true?

My doctor said there is plaque in my arteries, could this be because I haven't gone to the dentist for a cleaning in over a year?

If I don't have anything stuck in my teeth and I brush really well, do I still need to floss?

At what age should children start flossing?

What's the difference between plaque and tarter?

Does mint flavored floss help get rid of bad breath?

There are so many types of new toothbrushes. Are there any that can do double duty so I don't have to floss?

Is it better to brush first or floss first?

How do I know if I'm flossing correctly?

Is it better to floss while in the car or not floss at all?

My boyfriend wants to use floss in the bedroom. Is this healthy?

I'm planning to knit a sweater with dental floss. Do you recommend waxed or unwaxed?

Can flossing make you gain weight?

I'm starting a campaign to have the 3rd Thursday of every April named National Floss Day. Can I count on your support?

 

  • I heard that there's a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Is that true?

    Yes. While there are several theories as to the exact reason, it has been shown that those with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. In fact, periodontal disease can worsen heart conditions in general.

    Additionaly, studies have found evidence of a link periodontal disease and stroke.

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  • My doctor said there is plaque in my arteries, could this be because I haven't gone to the dentist for a cleaning in over a year?

    No. The plaque in your arteries and the plaque on your teeth are completely different. But you should still schedule a cleaning. And lay off the potato chips.

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  • If I don't have anything stuck in my teeth and I brush really well, do I still need to floss?

    Absolutely. In addition to food particles, flossing removes plaque from under the gum line. Plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other bad things.

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  • At what age should children start flossing?

    Once any two teeth touch one another, it's time to start flossing . Usually they won't be able to adequately floss their teeth on their own until they're about nine. Until this time, you will probably need to do it for them.

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  • What's the difference between plaque and tarter?

    Tarter is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tarter gives plaque more surface area to grow on. Also, it's more porous and therefore absorbs more stains. To avoid buildup, brush and floss daily.

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  • Does mint flavored floss help get rid of bad breath?

    Actually, all floss reduces bad breath. Flossing removes bacteria and it's bacteria that's responsible for bad breath.

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  • There are so many types of new toothbrushes. Are there any that can do double duty so I don't have to floss?

    Not now and probably not ever. It's simply a matter of surface area--a toothbrush can't reach every surface. In fact, brushing only cleans about 70% of your teeth. Flossing takes care of the other 30%.

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  • Is it better to brush first or floss first?

    Whichever you prefer. The important thing is to do both.

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  • How do I know if I'm flossing correctly?

    A good place to begin is with a visit to DenTek's Floss University. Pull up a chair and check out our Flossing Instructional Videos. Or consult your dentist or hygienist.

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  • Is it better to floss while in the car or not floss at all?

    Flossing is an integral part of oral hygiene. If the only time you can find to floss is in the car, than so be it. If you are the one driving however, we recommend mouthwash only. (Spit at your own discretion.)

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  • My boyfriend wants to use floss in the bedroom. Is this healthy?

    As long as you're both comfortable with the idea, it's perfectly healthy. Many strong relationships start with strong teeth.

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  • I'm planning to knit a sweater with dental floss. Do you recommend waxed or unwaxed?

    Unwaxed.

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  • Can flossing make you gain weight?

    No. Even if you ingested all the food particles the floss loosened from your teeth, you still wouldn't gain weight.

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  • I'm starting a campaign to have the 3rd Thursday of every April named National Floss Day. Can I count on your support?

    Absolutely. 100%

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