How do you approach the conversation about the importance of flossing with a patient who is resistant to it?

I explain that a toothbrush alone can't effectively clean the spaces between teeth, where plaque and debris tend to accumulate. Then, I show them the 'black triangle' visible on their bitewing X-ray, which highlights these areas. I emphasize how keeping this triangle clean through flossing is essential for preventing decay and gum disease.

When encouraging a patient to floss their teeth, I use visual aids. It is helpful to visualize how the tooth's "contact area" prevents the toothbrush from doing 100% of the cleaning by showing patients a model of teeth along with their own radiographs. The contact area where teeth touch neighboring teeth is the area that requires flossing, and it is this tooth-to-tooth contact that prevents the toothbrush from accessing the area. The tooth has 5 cleanable surfaces. 3 surfaces or 60% of the tooth can be accessed by the toothbrush. 2 surfaces or 40% of the tooth can only be reached and cleaned by floss. It is simple to demonstrate the need for both brushing and flossing with models and visual aids. v

I get it – flossing can feel like a chore, and many patients aren’t too thrilled about it. When I encounter resistance to flossing, I avoid scolding and instead focus on explaining why it’s so crucial in a way that’s easy to understand. I tell patients that brushing only cleans about 60% of their teeth and that flossing is the key to cleaning the other 40%, particularly in between teeth where plaque and bacteria love to hide. I like to frame it as something that prevents bigger problems down the line, like gum disease and cavities. One thing that helps is offering alternative options like floss picks or water flossers, which can be more convenient and comfortable for some people. I’ve had success with patients who weren’t keen on traditional flossing but found a water flosser much easier to use. Once they see the positive results, they’re often more motivated to make it a regular part of their routine. It’s all about finding what works best for them and making flossing feel less like a hassle.

I focus on the long-term benefits of flossing, explaining how it can save them from more complex and costly dental issues down the road. I provide real-life examples and patient stories to illustrate how regular flossing has made a difference for others, making the benefits more tangible.