What do you actually know about flossing? Here at Slate, we understand that there are a lot of reasons why people don’t like to floss. They might think it's too time-consuming or uncomfortable, and it’s especially easy to avoid flossing if you don’t really understand why it's so important. Let’s set the record straight by debunking some top flossing myths!
Myth #1: "If I Brush Well, I Don’t Need to Floss"
This might be the most popular flossing myth. What if we told you that many dental hygienists consider flossing more important than brushing your teeth?! While brushing is fantastic for cleaning the visible surfaces of your teeth, it can’t reach those tight spaces between them. Think of brushing as cleaning the outside of a vase—you’re only cleaning what’s easily accessible.
Flossing, on the other hand, is like cleaning inside that vase, reaching the spaces between your teeth where food particles and bacteria love to hide. Without flossing, you’re missing a big part of overall oral care, and over time, those little gaps can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and eventually cavities. Thankfully, the gum sweeps on the Slate Electric Flosser were intentionally designed to fit into those little gaps and thoroughly clean out the spaces in between your teeth. That’s because the Slate Flosser was built to be the ideal oral care tool to use alongside your toothbrush so that you can easily clean your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Myth #2: "My Gums Bleed When I Floss, So I Shouldn’t Do It"
It might feel counterintuitive, but bleeding gums are often a sign that you need to floss more, not less! When plaque sits on your gums for too long, it causes gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. That’s what makes your gums bleed when you first start flossing regularly. Think of it like exercising: if you haven’t done it in a while, you’re going to feel sore at first. Stick with it, and soon your gums will get stronger, healthier, and stop bleeding.
If the bleeding doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s always a good idea to check with your dentist to rule out other gum issues. But don’t be discouraged, your gums just need some TLC and flossing is the perfect place to start.
Myth #3: "I Don’t Have Food Stuck in My Teeth, So Why Floss?"
There is so much more between your teeth than just food. Even if you can’t see any food between your teeth, plaque and bacteria are still building up between them. They’re not always visible, but they’re there. Flossing isn’t just about removing big chunks of food; it’s also about preventing plaque from turning into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. Every day that you don’t remove the plaque sitting on your teeth, it doubles. Now that's something to be scared of!
So, even if you feel like your teeth are squeaky clean, you need to make flossing a habit—it’s the invisible stuff that often causes the most trouble.
Myth #4: "Flossing Takes Too Long"
This myth is especially untrue if you’re using the Slate Electric Flosser! Flossing with Slate takes less than two minutes. The ergonomic handle guarantees you won’t have to struggle to reach your back molars and the sonic vibrations combined with woven floss make flossing faster AND more effective. Once you get the hang of it, flossing becomes a quick, seamless part of your nighttime routine.
Two minutes a day is a small price to pay for a lifetime of healthy gums and beautiful teeth. Plus, think of all the time you’ll save in the dentist’s chair!
Myth #5: "Kids Don’t Need to Floss"
Myth #6: "Only Certain People Are Prone to Gum Disease"
Gum disease doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can get it and most people do! In fact, nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. While genetics can play a role, lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and—you guessed it—flossing frequency are much more impactful. Flossing is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce your risk of gum disease, no matter your age or background.
Myth #7: "Flossing Is Painful"
Flossing doesn’t have to be painful. As mentioned above, pain while flossing generally means that the gums are inflamed or infected. With regular flossing and the proper tool, flossing should be a quick and painless part of your routine. Try switching to the Slate Electric Flosser and use our “roll and sweep” technique. Simply roll the floss head from tongue to cheek to gently remove plaque and debris. Avoid snapping your floss down between the teeth. Too much force can hurt your gums and cause irritation.