The Benefits of Using Dental Floss
From someone who never used it to a daily user like me
“Do you use dental floss?”
“No, not the dental floss pick, it’s the kind that looks like fishing line in a box.”
“Do you have family or friends who use it?”
Dental floss has become a topic of conversation for me. When chatting with friends, the recent discussions have included a rather unique subject — mainly focusing on “dental care,” with an emphasis on “using dental floss.”
If someone were to eavesdrop on our conversation, they might think I’m a dental professional, expressing concern for patients who have just finished dental treatment.
These “patients” are like me six months ago, completely unaware of why dental floss is necessary. I used to think that using dental floss wasn’t essential, and I had the question in my mind: “Isn’t brushing teeth well enough?”
Tiny Plaque
At that time, I was 27 years old, with a habit of brushing my teeth every day. However, compared to caring for my teeth, I seemed more concerned about acne on my face, dark circles, and invested in various facial care products like toner, lotion, masks, etc. I also spent time researching details such as the timing and order of use, face washing water temperature, and suitable skin types.
One time, before dressing up for a date, I looked at myself in the mirror and felt that there were imperfections in my teeth. Specifically, between the front teeth in the upper row, there seemed to be small areas with a deeper color. My immediate reaction was to rush and brush my teeth, meticulously cleaning multiple times, and finally, a careful rinse. However, apart from a slight bleeding caused by excessive force, the flaw in the teeth didn’t seem to improve much.
Dental Calculus and Solution
After that experience, I started paying special attention to my teeth. For the small, deep yellowish plaque-like deposits, I later found, through online research, that it’s called “dental calculus,” which regular brushing cannot completely remove. It requires cleaning by a dentist through a process known as “scaling.”
Regarding visiting the dentist for “scaling,” although Taiwan’s health insurance subsidizes a free treatment every six months, I had no experience in the years after turning 20. On one hand, I felt my teeth were healthy, and on the other hand, I didn’t consider “scaling” as something crucial. So, stepping into the dentist’s office a few months ago for scaling was indeed a completely new experience.
Scaling Appointment
That day, I made an appointment at a reputable dental clinic near my home, hoping that the long-awaited “scaling treatment” would be a pleasant experience.
With expectations of resolving the small plaque on my teeth, I entered the spacious and bright dental clinic, which had an excellent environment. The large glass door, the high reception counter, and the requirement to change into indoor slippers before entering — all contributed to a great atmosphere. The waiting area inside was relaxing, and even though there were many people waiting, I found a corner to rest comfortably.
I specifically booked a female dentist recommended by others. She looked very friendly, spoke in the gentle manner typical of Taiwanese women, and her careful explanation was reassuring and comforting. Although I was there just for scaling, in such an environment, even if there were issues with my teeth, I believed I could enjoy the treatment.
Scaling Experience
The scaling process involves covering the eyes, various water jets and tools entering the mouth, and aside from not being able to see and hearing the sounds of instruments, there wasn’t anything particularly noteworthy. The process felt surprisingly quick.
At the end, there was a slight bleeding in the mouth, which the dentist explained was normal. After a brief mouthwash, I looked in the mirror and saw that the flaws and stains in the corners of the front teeth had disappeared. It was a particularly pleasing feeling on a spiritual level.
Without me asking, the female dentist patiently explained dental care knowledge, including how to prevent “dental calculus” and her experience of using dental floss daily. Perhaps it was because of her, now I care so much about my friends’ teeth.
Using Dental Floss
After the scaling and absorbing a wealth of dental care knowledge, I understood the importance of “using dental floss.” However, the actual use and proficiency took me a long time to develop.
Now, using dental floss that looks like fishing line, I follow the instructions of a Taiwanese dentist in a YouTube video. I use a length of thread equivalent to the length of my forearm each time, winding it around the index fingers of both hands for back-and-forth cleaning.
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The difficulty lies in cleaning every tooth gap, using the C-shape technique twice for each gap. The proportion of the thread during the process needs to be well controlled, and adapting to the areas between the molars takes time to get used to. It truly requires carefulness and patience to develop the habit of “daily use.”
Bedtime Ritual
Now, I have developed the habit of using dental floss and a dental brush before bedtime. If I don’t have this “ritual,” I feel particularly uneasy, just like going to bed without showering after exercise, feeling unclean and needing purification.
Especially when I use dental floss each time, I consistently find visible debris accumulation between the last two molars in the upper right corner. So, whether tired from work or exercise, or even when traveling, as soon as I lie down and close my eyes, if I realize I haven’t used dental floss, I quickly wash my hands, grab the dental floss, clean, and brush my teeth — even when I’m drunk and dizzy.
Not many Taiwanese People Use Dental Floss
It seems that in Taiwan, not many people use dental floss. I see numerous shelves in supermarkets and drugstores dedicated to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash, but dental floss, this miraculous product, is almost nonexistent in terms of quantity and brand variety. Only some major brands have the chance to be seen.
Surrounding family and friends have never been seen using dental floss. Most use “dental floss picks,” and they only use them to clean between their teeth after meals. Even some friends with full-mouth orthodontic braces use dental floss picks instead of dental floss. I’ve also asked several female Instagram influencers who have beautiful teeth, and the results were all negative.
The only friend around me who uses dental floss is a person with a personality similar to mine, whom I wrote about before. One day, she came to my house, saw the few boxes of dental floss on my desk, and was surprised. She picked up the dental floss, laughed, and said, “So, the only weirdo who uses dental floss is you.”
After Forming the Habit
As someone who can’t do without using dental floss every day, here are the benefits I’ve gained and the costs incurred:
Costs:
- Time spent:
Within 5 minutes each day (including washing hands before using dental floss and disposing of the thread).
- Money spent:
About 40 NTD ( 1 USD) for a 50m dental floss, using approximately 60–80 cm each time (0.5–1 NTD)
Benefits:
- Improved Tooth Appearance: Your teeth look better.
- Dentist’s Praise During Cleaning: Praise from the dentist during dental cleaning.
- No Occasional Sensitive Teeth: Reduced incidents of sensitive teeth.
Other Potentially Helpful Benefits:
- Improved Bad Breath: Possible improvement in bad breath.
- Helps Control Facial Acne: Assistance in controlling facial acne.
- Improved Skin Quality: Positive impact on skin quality.
- Sleep Ritual Sensation: Adds a sense of ritual to your bedtime routine.
- Super Fresh Sleeping Teeth: Your teeth feel super fresh before sleeping.
Conclusion:
The above is my experience from not using dental floss for over half a year to using it every day. Barring any unexpected circumstances, this habit will continue until I enter the coffin or until my teeth fall out. If you haven’t had a dental cleaning for a long time, don’t know how to use dental floss, or if you have sensitive teeth or occasional bleeding while brushing, perhaps you can give it a try. It might be helpful for you too.
Read this article in Chinese(traditional)：用牙線後獲得的好處
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