Dentist explains why flossing daily is important and shares the correct way to do it: ‘You could avoid so many dental…’

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Dr Tanya Rachan, a dentist specialising in oral health and wellness, is highlighting why flossing every single day is essential – and how to do it correctly. In an Instagram video shared on March 25, she walks viewers through the proper flossing technique, the type of floss to use, and key oral hygiene tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

She highlights, “Water flossing is a wonderful adjunct and addition to flossing, but it does not replace string flossing. Yes, you need to floss every single day. Just once a day. Really not that hard. Just add it to your routine. I am just very passionate about this and you could avoid so many dental issues if you just floss every single night.”

The dentist explains the instructions as follows: “What I like to do is, I like to grab it between my middle finger and thumb at the end of my finger, and I wind it all the way till I get to the other side. Now, once I get to the other side, I just do it once or twice so that I can hold this taut. This is now my working section. So, when you’re flossing on top, you have to flick your wrist upside down, and you’re going to use your fingers to help guide it in between your back molars.”

The dentist explains, “Floss every night before bed. I’m not telling you to floss three times a day; I’m just telling you to floss after you’re done eating for the day, and then you’re not going to eat after you have flossed.”

Dr Rachan also recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before you brush or floss. This is particularly important for brushing, as the mouth becomes more acidic right after a meal – part of the initial digestive process. Brushing too soon can wear down enamel in this softened state, so it’s best to wait until your saliva has had time to neutralise the acids before beginning your oral care routine.

She explains, “Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush and floss, especially brushing, because your mouth is already starting the digestion process and your acidity levels are higher after eating. You don’t want to brush and move the acids and scrub it into your enamel. You want your saliva to do its thing and then brush 30 minutes after eating.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.