Flossing is an essential part of maintaining excellent oral hygiene, yet many people find it difficult, especially when trying to clean their back teeth. These molars, often used for chewing, are hard to reach, and this makes them prone to plaque buildup and decay. This article explores how to floss your back teeth effectively, addressing the common challenges and offering solutions to ensure every part of your mouth stays healthy.
What Are the Best Tools for Flossing Back Teeth?
When it comes to flossing, choosing the right tool is critical, particularly for accessing the back teeth. There are different types of floss and flossing tools available, and each has its advantages depending on your dental needs.
- Traditional Dental Floss: Waxed floss, specifically designed for areas that are harder to reach, is an excellent choice for back teeth. Waxed floss slides easily between tight gaps and can curve around the tooth, ensuring the removal of food particles and plaque.
- Floss Picks: Floss picks are a great option for those who find traditional floss difficult to manage. These picks have a handle, making it easier to navigate around the molars. The flexibility and ease of use make them a practical solution for busy individuals.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers use a high-pressure stream of water to clean between teeth and gums, making them particularly effective for people with braces or dental work that makes string flossing difficult. Although more expensive, water flossers are an excellent investment for your long-term oral hygiene.
- Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed to clean between teeth, interdental brushes are an excellent alternative for people with gaps or orthodontic appliances. They help clean areas where traditional floss or picks might not be as effective.
| Tool | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Traditional Dental Floss | Thin, string-like material available in waxed or unwaxed varieties | Highly effective, inexpensive | Requires dexterity to reach back teeth |
| Floss Picks | Small, Y-shaped tool with a piece of floss attached | Easier to reach molars, good for tight spaces | Can be wasteful, less control over the tension of floss |
| Water Flosser | A device that shoots a stream of water to clean between teeth and gums | Gentle, effective for difficult areas | More expensive, requires water refills |
| Interdental Brushes | Tiny brushes designed to clean between teeth and around braces or dental work | Ideal for people with braces or wider gaps | May not fit between very tight teeth |
| Floss Threaders | Helps to guide floss between dental appliances like braces or bridges | Effective for people with orthodontics | Requires additional tools, time-consuming |
Why Is Flossing Your Back Teeth So Important?
Your back teeth, or molars, are essential for chewing and grinding food. This makes them prone to trapping food particles and developing plaque. Without proper flossing, these food particles can lead to plaque buildup, which causes gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the areas between teeth account for up to 35% of the surface area, meaning brushing alone is not enough to ensure your teeth are clean【source 1】.
Moreover, plaque that forms around your back teeth, if left untreated, hardens into tartar, a calcified substance that can only be removed by a penrith orthodontist . Flossing between your back teeth helps to prevent this issue, making it a vital part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
How Do You Floss Back Teeth?
Flossing your back teeth follows the same principles as flossing other teeth, but it requires a bit more care due to the tricky access. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re doing it correctly.
- Choose the right type of floss: As mentioned earlier, waxed floss or a floss pick is ideal for reaching back teeth. Waxed floss is smooth and can slide into tight spaces easily, making it perfect for molars.
- Break off about 18 inches of floss: Use enough floss so you can use a clean section between each tooth. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches to work with.
- Gently guide the floss between teeth: Hold the floss taut and slide it gently between your teeth in a sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss into your gums as this can cause damage.
- Curve the floss around the tooth: When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. This helps the floss hug the tooth and go slightly under the gumline, which is where most plaque tends to accumulate.
- Clean both sides of each tooth: Be sure to floss both sides of each molar, moving the floss up and down to clean thoroughly.
- Use a new section of floss: As you move from one tooth to another, unwind fresh floss to avoid transferring plaque or food debris between teeth.
- Be gentle: Your back teeth are closer to your jaw, and it may take some practice to manoeuvre floss in these areas without irritating your gums. Be patient and gentle to avoid discomfort.
- Rinse your mouth: Once you’ve finished flossing, it’s a good idea to rinse with water or an antibacterial mouthwash. This will help to remove any loose debris and further protect your teeth and gums.
How Often Should You Floss Your Back Teeth?
It’s essential to floss all of your teeth, including your back teeth, at least once a day. The Australian Dental Association recommends flossing before brushing at night, as this removes plaque and food particles that your toothbrush might miss【source 2】.
What Are Common Mistakes When Flossing Back Teeth?
Despite the importance of flossing, many people don’t do it correctly, particularly when it comes to reaching their back teeth. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using the same section of floss: Reusing the same part of the floss for multiple teeth can spread plaque and debris around your mouth rather than removing it.
- Not curving the floss: Many people floss in a straight line, which misses cleaning under the gumline. Always ensure you curve the floss around the tooth in a “C” shape.
- Flossing too harshly: Flossing too aggressively can irritate your gums, causing them to bleed. Always floss gently and with care, especially in the sensitive areas around the back teeth.
- Not reaching the back teeth: It’s easy to neglect your back molars, but these are often the teeth most prone to plaque buildup. Take the time to floss all the way to the back.
Are There Alternatives to Traditional Floss for Back Teeth?
For those who struggle with traditional floss, there are several alternatives that can make flossing your back teeth easier:
- Floss Picks: As discussed earlier, floss picks are handy tools with a small piece of floss strung between two prongs. They are easier to manipulate, especially for those who have difficulty reaching their molars.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers are another excellent alternative. They use a stream of water to clean between teeth and are particularly effective for those with braces or dental work.
- Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes are designed to clean between teeth and are an excellent choice for people with braces, bridges, or gaps between their teeth.
How Does Flossing Help Prevent Gum Disease and Decay?
Regular flossing can prevent gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gums. According to research from the University of Adelaide, gum disease can lead to serious health complications if left untreated【source 3】. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to protect your back teeth from decay and to keep your gums healthy.
Read More: Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
Read More: What Does Flossing Do for Your Oral Health?
Conclusion
Flossing your back teeth is an integral part of your oral hygiene routine and shouldn’t be overlooked. By using the right tools, such as waxed floss, floss picks, or water flossers, and following a proper technique, you can ensure that even your hard-to-reach molars are free from plaque and debris.
For those seeking professional advice or looking to improve their dental care routine, it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly. At Bella Dental, we pride ourselves on helping our patients maintain optimal oral health, including providing advice and treatment for flossing and cleaning those hard-to-reach areas.
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FAQs related to back teeth floss.
1. Why is it harder to floss my back teeth compared to my front teeth?
Flossing back teeth is more challenging because they are harder to reach and are positioned closer to the jaw. These teeth are also larger and have wider surfaces, making it more difficult to manoeuvre the floss around them. Using floss picks, water flossers, or waxed floss can make the process easier.
2.What type of floss is best for cleaning between back teeth?
Waxed dental floss or floss picks are ideal for cleaning between back teeth. Waxed floss slides more easily into tight spaces and between molars, while floss picks offer better control and can be easier to handle for reaching the back of the mouth.
3. How often should I floss my back teeth?
You should floss your back teeth at least once a day. The Australian Dental Association recommends flossing before brushing at night to remove any plaque or food particles that may have been missed by your toothbrush.
4. Is it necessary to floss my back teeth if I brush thoroughly?
Yes, it is still necessary to floss even if you brush thoroughly. Brushing only cleans the outer surfaces of your teeth, while flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like the back teeth.
5. What should I do if my gums bleed when flossing my back teeth?
If your gums bleed when flossing your back teeth, it could be a sign of gum inflammation or improper flossing technique. Be gentle and avoid snapping the floss into your gums. If the bleeding persists, consult your dentist as it may indicate gum disease.
- Are there any alternatives to traditional flossing for cleaning back teeth?
Yes, alternatives to traditional flossing include water flossers, interdental brushes, and floss picks. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between teeth, while interdental brushes are small brushes designed for cleaning between larger gaps. Floss picks are easier to use for people who struggle with traditional string floss.
