You start flossing regularly and suddenly notice spaces between your teeth that seem bigger than before. This observation can sometimes lead people to wonder if their new healthy habit is actually harming their smile. Understanding how flossing works and why it’s necessary for a healthy smile can help make this clearer.
Flossing does not create gaps between your teeth: It simply reveals the natural spacing that was hidden by swollen gums and built-up plaque. When you begin a consistent flossing routine, you’re seeing your teeth and gums return to their healthier, natural state, much like what happens after a dental cleaning.
Why It Feels Like Flossing Creates Gaps
Your Gums Return to Their Natural State
When plaque builds up along your gumline, it causes inflammation that makes your gums swell. This swelling can make the spaces between your teeth appear smaller or hide them completely.
Regular flossing can remove this plaque and help the inflammation go down. As your gums return to their normal, healthy size, you can see the natural spaces between your teeth more clearly.
Plaque and Food Debris Get Removed
Food particles and plaque can pack tightly between your teeth, filling in small gaps that naturally exist. When you floss, you’re not creating gaps: You remove the buildup and reveal the actual shape and spacing of your teeth.
You Notice Spaces That Were Always There
Before you start flossing regularly, you might not pay close attention to the spaces between your teeth. Once you begin focusing on cleaning these areas daily, you become more aware of your tooth positioning.
This increased attention can make existing gaps seem more noticeable, even though they haven’t actually changed in size.
What Actually Causes Gaps Between Teeth
Natural Tooth Alignment & Genetics
The size and shape of your jaw, along with the size of your teeth, are largely determined by genetics. Some people naturally have more space between their teeth due to having a larger jaw or smaller teeth.
These natural variations in tooth spacing are completely normal and don’t indicate any health problems. Your genetic blueprint plays a big role in determining how your teeth are positioned in your mouth.
Gum Disease Effects
Advanced gum disease can cause the tissues and bone that support your teeth to break down. This breakdown can lead to teeth shifting or becoming loose, which may create new spaces or make existing gaps seem larger.
Unlike the temporary swelling that makes gaps appear smaller, gum disease can create actual changes in tooth position. Regular flossing helps lower the risk of this condition developing.
Tooth Loss & Movement
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift toward the empty space. This movement happens slowly over time and can create or enlarge gaps throughout your mouth.
Missing teeth also change the way forces are distributed when you bite and chew. These altered forces can contribute to additional tooth movement and spacing changes.
Certain Habits & Lifestyle Factors
There are also certain daily habits that can influence your tooth positioning and whether your teeth move. Some of these can include:
- Thumb-sucking beyond early childhood
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Tongue thrusting against teeth
The Benefits of Flossing & How to Start
Reaches Difficult Areas
Hard-to-reach areas, like tight contacts between your teeth, are prime spots for plaque buildup and the start of some dental problems, like cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. Floss is thin enough to slide between these contacts and wrap around the curved surfaces of each tooth, helping to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
How to Floss
To floss properly, follow a few key steps. Proper flossing technique helps you get the most benefits from this habit. Make sure to:
- Use about 18 inches of floss
- Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers
- Gently slide between teeth with an up-and-down motion
- Curve floss into a C-shape against each tooth
Choose the Right Type of Floss
Waxed floss slides more easily between tight teeth, while unwaxed floss can be thinner and fit into smaller spaces. Both types clean effectively, so choose based on your comfort and the spacing of your teeth.
If traditional floss feels difficult to use, consider floss picks or water flossers as alternatives. The most important thing is finding a method you’ll use consistently.
Common Flossing Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Aggressive with Your Gums
Snapping floss down hard against your gums can cause cuts and irritation. Instead, guide the floss gently between your teeth and use smooth, controlled movements.
Your gums might bleed slightly when you first start flossing, but this should stop within a week or 2 of regular, gentle flossing. A consistent technique helps prevent damage while effectively cleaning.
Skipping Days or Being Inconsistent
Flossing only occasionally allows plaque to build up and harden, making it more difficult to remove. Daily flossing keeps plaque soft and easy to clean away.
Try to floss at the same time each day to help build the habit. Many people find it easier to remember when they floss right before or after brushing their teeth. Regular professional cleanings complement your daily routine, helping to keep your smile healthy.
Using the Same Section of Floss
Reusing the same piece of floss can spread bacteria from 1 area of your mouth to another. Move to a clean section of floss for each tooth to maintain proper hygiene.
Wind the floss around your fingers so you can easily access fresh sections as you work your way around your mouth. This technique helps you get the most effective clean possible.
When to See Your Dentist
It’s important to get regular cleanings to maintain your oral health, but sometimes your mouth may be asking for extra attention. It’s helpful to know when to schedule an extra appointment with your dentist to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Signs You Should Schedule a Visit
- Persistent bleeding after proper flossing
- New gaps appearing suddenly
- Teeth feeling loose
- Discomfort or sensitivity between teeth
Professional Cleanings & Regular Check-ups
Even with excellent home care, you need professional cleanings to remove hardened plaque and tartar. These appointments also give your dentist a chance to catch problems early when they’re easier to treat.
Keep Your Oral Health on Track
At Dentistry on Danforth, we help our patients maintain healthy smiles through comprehensive preventive care and patient education. Our team can take the time to show you proper flossing techniques and address any concerns about changes you notice in your mouth. Schedule your next cleaning and exam so we can look after your smile together.