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Teeth Turning Yellow Suddenly? Want a brighter smile: Why flossing is non negotiable

Writer's picture: Marnie St GeorgeMarnie St George

Updated: Oct 3, 2024


Flossing helps to prolong teeth whitening
Women flossing her teeth as part of a good oral health routine

Teeth turning yellow suddenly? "Over 50% of adults don’t floss daily, yet almost everyone wants a brighter, healthier smile."

 Simple fact—people want white teeth and think teeth whitening is the answer, but so many overlook the easiest way to keep teeth bright is FlOSSING, “boring you say “. Let me introduce myself.  I am the owner of Polish and White a boutique teeth whitening studio in Orakei Bay Village, Remuera Auckland. As a dental hygienist, this topic comes up in nearly every appointment. Patients want whiter teeth but groan at the thought of flossing. But here’s the truth: all the brushing, whitening gels, and teeth-whitening toothpaste won’t save you from the hidden effects of plaque and calculus, especially in the interdental areas, those sneaky spaces between your teeth. Want a brighter smile and fresher breath? Flossing is the game-changer, so go with it! It also helps prolong your freshly whitened smile when you come for professional teeth whitening at Polish and White Auckland.


 The Yellow Reality: What Happens Between Your Teeth

You brush your teeth twice a day, right? Good! But what about those stubborn, yellowish areas between your teeth that just won’t seem to brighten? That’s where plaque comes into play. And here's the kicker, plaque isn’t just unsightly, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which is even more visible and nearly impossible to remove without professional help.

The interdental areas are prime targets for plaque buildup. Over time, this sticky film laden with bacteria accumulates and starts to harden into calculus, giving your smile that dull, yellowish hue between the teeth. These areas are often where patients focus on, when they say, “My teeth look yellow!” One of the culprits ? Lack of flossing.

Flossing reaches where your toothbrush can’t. While brushing cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces, the other 40% is left vulnerable to decay and discolouration. If you’re not flossing, you’re missing half the battle and teeth whitening won’t fix it. 


The Plaque and Calculus Problem: Why Flossing Is Essential

Many patients tell me, “But I brush my teeth twice a day! Isn’t that enough?” Unfortunately, it’s not. While brushing is excellent for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, it doesn’t reach the interdental areas, the small spaces between your teeth where plaque loves to hide. If left unchecked, this plaque hardens into calculus, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning. After professional hygiene appointment is the perfect time to have your teeth whitened at Polish and White if you are in the Auckland area.  You have a lovely clean base to have a personalised teeth whitening treatment. 

 

Think of flossing this way: brushing without flossing is like washing only half of your car. The rest of the dirt and grime stick around, slowly damaging the paint job. In your mouth, that leftover plaque/ calculus causes tooth decay, gum disease, and, yes, that yellowing you hate seeing in the mirror.

Here’s where flossing works its magic. By cleaning between the teeth, you’re removing the debris that would otherwise harden into calculus.  That means fresher breath, whiter teeth, and healthier gums.


Breaking Down Resistance: The Flossing Struggle

Let’s be honest—flossing can feel like a chore. You’re not alone in thinking it’s tedious, time-consuming, or even painful. I hear these concerns all the time from patients. The floss gets stuck, it’s hard to reach the back teeth, it makes my gums bleed or maybe you just don’t have time. But here’s the thing: not flossing isn’t just bad for your gums; it’s also bad for your appearance.

I approach the conversation with patients by focusing on what matters most to them. For some, it’s appearance. For others, it’s their health. Most often, it’s both. Here’s a little insight into how I start the flossing conversation:

“Have you noticed how the areas between your teeth look yellow or dark? That’s plaque and calculus building up.”

Right there, you’ve got their attention. No one wants yellow teeth! By connecting flossing to something as visible as the colour of their teeth, it makes the benefits tangible.


 How to Have the Flossing Conversation: Keep It Real

So, how do you approach the conversation about flossing with a resistant patient (or even yourself)? The key is to be relatable and avoid making them feel judged. Most people already know they should be flossing; they just need the motivation to start.


1. Acknowledge the Struggle  

   I get it—flossing isn’t fun. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. Be empathetic when discussing it with patients:  

   “I know flossing can be a pain, but it’s the only way to clean those spots where your brush can’t reach.”


2. Make It Personal  

   Patients are more likely to change their behaviour if they understand how it affects them personally. Point out areas where you’ve noticed plaque buildup, and explain how flossing can help.  

   “I can see some plaque buildup between your back teeth. If you start flossing there, you’ll notice a big difference in how your smile looks.”

If it's a young person, I often point out bad breath is a real turn-off in the dating game.


3. Offer Solutions  

   If traditional flossing isn’t working, offer alternatives like water flossers or interdental brushes. These tools can be game-changers for patients who struggle with flossing, whether due to dexterity issues or just plain dislike


 Actionable Insights: How to Get Patients (or Yourself!) to Floss


There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to flossing. But, here are some specific, actionable insights, I share with my patients to make flossing easier and more effective:

1. Use the Right Tools: If you don’t like one tool, move on and try other things if the stringy stuff isn’t working for you. 


   If traditional floss isn’t your thing, try interdental brushes or water flossers. These can be easier to use, especially for patients with limited dexterity or those who just dislike flossing. Interdental brushes come in various sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit between teeth, while water flossers can give a more enjoyable experience and can be done in the shower. If you are never going to floss or use interdental brushes then water flossers are better than nothing at all.


2. Set Realistic Goals  

   I tell patients who are resistant to start small. Commit to flossing three times a week, then increase it. Small changes build into habits, and eventually, it becomes part of the routine. It’s less overwhelming than telling someone to floss every day right off the bat.


3. Focus on the Benefits, Not the Hassle  

   Remind yourself (or your patients) of the instant benefits - your mouth feels cleaner, your breath smells better, and your teeth look brighter. The long-term benefits, like preventing gum disease and decay, are just as crucial. Focusing on immediate improvements can make flossing feel more rewarding.


4. Pair Flossing with Something You Enjoy 

   This is one of my favourite tips. I tell patients to floss while watching TV or listening to music. Associating it with something enjoyable makes it feel less like a chore.


.Flossing Hacks: Making It Easier for Everyone

Let’s get practical. For those patients (or readers!) who still struggle to floss, here are some hacks that make it easier:


Use a Floss Holder  

   Floss holders can make it easier to reach the back teeth, especially for people with limited hand mobility or those who find it challenging to manipulate floss.


Floss Before Brushing  

   Flossing first removes debris and plaque between your teeth, allowing your toothbrush to clean the surfaces more effectively. It also means the fluoride in your toothpaste can reach in between your teeth easily and be more effective in combating decay.


Set a Reminder  

   Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror or a reminder on your phone, sometimes all it takes is a little nudge to remember to floss.


 Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Risks of Not Flossing

Let’s dive deeper into why flossing is more than just about aesthetics. Yes, yellowing between the teeth is unsightly, but it also can be a sign of something more serious happening beneath the surface, gum disease.

When plaque isn’t removed, it irritates the gums, causing inflammation and leading to gingivitis. Over time, this can often progress to periodontitis, severe gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. And here’s the real kicker: gum disease isn’t just bad for your mouth. It’s been linked to systemic health - issues like heart disease, diabetes, preterm births and even stroke. It’s also hard on your wallet. 

I often explain it like this:

“When you don’t floss, bacteria builds up and inflames your gums. That inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth. It can spread through your bloodstream and affect your whole body  health.”

This helps patients see the bigger picture. Flossing isn’t just about having a brighter smile; it’s about taking care of your whole body.


 In Conclusion: Don’t Fear the Floss

Flossing isn’t just an extra step in your dental routine, it’s the key to a brighter, healthier smile. Plaque and calculus buildup in the interdental areas can make your teeth look yellow and unattractive, but more importantly, it can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked. 

So, whether you’re a patient reading this or a dental professional talking to a reluctant flosser, remember:  flossing is essential. It’s the one step that keeps your smile looking bright and your gums healthy. Start small, use the right tools, and make it a habit. Your teeth, your health and wallet will thank you!


When you have been successful in creating a new habit of flossing then reward yourself with a personalised teeth whitening treatment at Polish and White Auckland. I use dental whitening gels just like a dentist . I offer treatment options in many different strengths that are supplied to the dental industry.

Marnie

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