Flossing question

[ERsn]

Hey everyone,

I know this is strange, but would anyone know if flossing causes tooth gaps?

One could say I'm prone to gapping, so i'm not sure if i should attempt flossing.

Thanks

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

No. If it did, I wouldn't have needed braces to "un-cram" my teeth.

Getting stuff caught in your teeth doesn't cause gaps. I had spacers when I had braces, but they were in for a month, and they were a whole lot bigger than dental floss. Dental floss is neither big enough nor powerful enough to move teeth. Moving teeth takes a lot of force - constant force - ask anyone who's endured a few wire changes on their brackets and we'll tell you, dental floss it's not.

If you DON'T floss, you'll have gaps - caused by rotting teeth.

[caliotter3]

Yeah, I'm sure your dentist will tell you that not flossing will cause the gaps, receding gingiva and tooth loss. Ask your dentist and s/he will allay your concerns.

[ERsn]

Thanku both for ur replies!

[missdeevah, NP]

no. if it did, i wouldn't have needed braces to "un-cram" my teeth.

if you don't floss, you'll have gaps - caused by rotting teeth.

too, too funny!

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I thought everyone should floss-hasn't caused gaps for me.

Contact the Amercian Dental Association for more specifics.

[happy2learn]

Well, if it does, it's not actually your teeth that is causing the gap. It means that you had a bunch of crap build up on your teeth and the flossing removed it. How do I know? I never really took care of my teeth and when I went to the dentist to get porcelain veneers she cleaned my bottom teeth and well, I have a very tiny gap between my two front bottom teeth. It was all buildup. Needless to say, I bought a Waterpik and use it every day.