How much time do you spend flossing?
By sandi109
@sandi109 (160)
United States
August 24, 2009 5:16pm CST
I hate to admit it but I only started flossing a year ago November. So it hasn't even been a year. I found it to be a tricky thing to learn, particularly since most of my back teeth are very tight. I am a type of person who either tries to do something the right way or doesn't want to do it at all. It takes me a long, long time to floss. 15 to 20 minutes on average, but it can take up to a half hour or more. This is partly because I try to be thorough, but partly because of my tight teeth. If I go too fast in these areas the floss snaps into my gum and really hurts. Or my hand ends up slipping and I end up with my fingernail cutting my gum. Do any of you have these problems. I had read that the average person flosses 3 times a week and for only 3 to 5 minutes. I can hardly believe that! How do you do it? I would really like to hear your experiences, including difficulties with it. If flossing were so easy and effective with only a minute or two a day it seems to be more people would be doing it. My dentist says that my teeth are really well cleaned and not to change a thing but it takes a lot of discipline. Do any of you have any tips on how I could shave a few minutes and still be effective?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
25 Aug 09
I am not very coordinated and I have trouble with the back teeth also. I use "flossers" ...those little sticks with floss on the end. they work really well for the back teeth. I do use regular floss for the front teeth and I don't time myself. I just go until nothing comes out on the floss. I do this daily at least and sometimes twice. I am guessing that it takes me a few minutes per day. It is habit and I just do it. It doesn't seem like it takes me too long at all. My dentist actually sat and showed me how to floss effectively. He is the one that suggested the flossers to me and they are so much easier. I hope this helps some. As far as floss that doesn't split...they all do, I think. I've used all brands. I just use another piece if one splits too bad and continue on. 
@sandi109 (160)
• United States
25 Aug 09
I've thought about using flossers but read that they are not as effective at getting plaque off the teeth. Not to mention that the only ones I've seen have had pretty thick dental floss in them. I tried using them a couple of times but because of how thick they are, ended up really hurting my gum when they snapped into the gum pocket. Did I mention that my back teeth are extremely tight? I am amazed sometimes that I can even get floss in at all. This is part of why it takes me so long since. The woven floss doesn't seem like the best choice for that one tooth since it not only shreds, but has even gotten caught in between my teeth which I can't stand. I am glad there are others like me who floss daily, but it seems most only spend a few minutes at it. Maybe I need to change my technique? Thanks for your comment.
@Raymo23 (463)
• Uganda
25 Aug 09
My mum is a nurse, and once her hospital received a donation of sanitary materials from an American charity(I am Ugandan). Part of that was whatever you call that thread used to floss, and since I had read about it, I tried to learn. I found it difficult, and burdensome. Bottomline; I don't floss. I use bits of toothpick to clean between my teeth because they are easier to maneuver. Takes me about five minutes each night.
@sandi109 (160)
• United States
25 Aug 09
You must not have tightly spaced teeth to be able to use the toothpicks. Aren't you afraid of pieces of the toothpick breaking off and then having splinters in your mouth? I have tried using a toothpick on some of the wider spaces in my mouth and have had parts of the toothpick break off. Maybe I am just too rough. I know others who use toothpicks regularly and it seems to work just fine. I can't remember the name of the product, but it is made of wooden toothpick type material, only it is flattened out to make it easier to get in between the teeth. It might be Stimudents. This might work even better for you. Thanks so much for your comment. I wish it only took me five minutes!
