Feeling sheepish about your flossing habits? Let’s Talk About the Importance of Flossing in Wilmington, NC
Seen that viral fish photo with human teeth? While it's funny, it also highlights the serious importance of flossing. Dr. Donald Bland, DDS in Wilmington, NC shares tips and local resources to help you take better care of your smile.
A fishy smile that teaches a real lesson
A recent viral photo made waves across the internet — a fish with a disturbingly human-like smile being flossed by a dental pick. While we can all appreciate the surreal humor of the image, it actually brings up a great question:
How many of us floss as often as we should?
Spoiler alert: most people don’t. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), only about 16% of Americans floss daily, even though flossing is a critical part of maintaining long-term oral health (source).
At Dr. Donald Bland’s modern dental office in downtown Wilmington, NC, we’re not just here to clean teeth — we’re here to help you build strong habits that keep your smile beautiful (and natural-looking — no fish teeth here!).
What Happens If You Don’t Floss?
If you’re like most folks in the Wilmington area, flossing might fall pretty low on your priority list. But skipping this simple step can lead to a range of serious oral health problems, including:
Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis): Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and below the gum line. Without it, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation, bleeding gums, and even bone loss.
Cavities Between Teeth: Toothbrushes can’t reach the tight spaces between teeth, but floss can. Ignoring those areas is like washing only 70% of your body.
Bad Breath: Food debris trapped between teeth starts to decay, releasing foul odors and contributing to persistent halitosis.
Expensive Treatments Later: Regular flossing is a free investment in your future dental bills.
Flossing Techniques: You’re Probably Doing It Wrong
Just like the viral fish photo where someone is using a floss pick (albeit on a fish), many people think they’re flossing correctly but aren’t getting the full benefit.
Here’s a better way, recommended by the ADA:
Use About 18 Inches of Floss: Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.
Gently Slide Between Teeth: Don’t snap or force it. Guide the floss with a gentle sawing motion.
Curve Around Each Tooth: Form a “C” shape and slide the floss under the gumline. Wipe the tooth clean with an up-and-down motion.
Use a Clean Section for Each Tooth: Rewind and move to fresh floss as you go.
For visual learners, check out this instructional video from the ADA: How to Floss
Tools That Make Flossing Easier
If traditional floss is hard to manage, there are other tools that can help Wilmington residents maintain better oral hygiene:
Floss Picks: Great for convenience, though they may not be as thorough as string floss.
Water Flossers: Ideal for people with braces, implants, or limited dexterity. These shoot a high-pressure stream of water between teeth.
Interdental Brushes: Tiny brushes designed to clean between teeth — especially useful for larger gaps or dental bridges.
Ask our hygienists at Dr. Donald Bland’s office during your next cleaning for a personalized recommendation.
Flossing in Wilmington: Why It’s Extra Important Here
Wilmington’s beautiful coastal climate, vibrant social scene, and booming food culture mean lots of smiles — and lots of reasons to keep them healthy.
Here are just a few Wilmington-specific reasons to stay on top of your oral hygiene:
Sweet Tea Culture & Sugary Snacks: Local favorites can fuel cavities if proper oral care isn’t in place.
Wine & Craft Beer Scene: Acidic beverages can wear enamel and expose gaps between teeth to decay.
High Humidity: It may sound odd, but moisture-rich environments can increase bacterial growth in the mouth when hygiene is ignored.
That’s why we offer comprehensive dental cleanings, laser gum therapy, and even cosmetic smile makeovers to help our patients not only maintain their health but feel confident too.
What Services Does Dr. Bland Offer to Help?
Dr. Donald Bland, DDS, offers modern, gentle, and effective dental care with over 30 years of experience — especially for patients who:
Haven’t flossed in a while (or ever)
Suffer from bleeding gums or bad breath
Feel anxious about going to the dentist
Services that can help include:
✅ Comprehensive Dental Cleanings
✅ Laser Gum Treatment (LANAP)
✅ IV Sedation for Nervous Patients
✅ Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Restorations
✅ Same-Day Crowns & 3D-Guided Implants
Located right in the heart of downtown Wilmington, our office is known for its personalized care and stress-free experience.
When to See a Dentist in Wilmington, NC
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to visit Dr. Bland’s office:
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
Bad breath that won’t go away
Gums that look swollen or red
Teeth that feel loose or shift in your bite
Pain between your teeth
You can schedule a visit easily right from our website or give us a call. We often have same-day or next-day appointments for urgent issues.
Smile Like a Human (Not a Fish)
We know that photo was meant to be funny — and it was! But let it serve as a reminder: healthy, natural teeth are worth the effort. Whether you’ve been flossing religiously or you’re just now realizing it’s time to start, Dr. Donald Bland and his friendly team are here to help you take control of your oral health.
No judgment, just modern, gentle dental care that’s tailored to you.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Ready to clean up your smile and keep your gums healthy?
📍 Visit us in Downtown Wilmington
📞 Call 910-762-2811
🌐 Schedule online at www.donaldbland.com
Let’s keep the fish teeth on the internet — and real smiles healthy in Wilmington.
