Are You Flossing the Right Way?

While most people understand the importance of brushing at least twice a day, flossing is often overlooked. Interdental cleaners like floss are an essential component of a good oral health routine. Properly cleaning between teeth using floss can help remove plaque that leads to gum disease and cavities. It can also help you maintain a white, healthy smile that you will be proud to show to the world.

Importance of Flossing

Flossing plays a critical role in good oral health. Your toothbrush is not able to reach every nook and cranny in your mouth, especially those tight spaces between your teeth. Flossing is one of the best ways to remove food particles that may be stuck between your teeth before they have a chance to contribute to plaque formation, decay, or gum disease. Flossing can also prevent bad breath by stopping bacteria from forming in these hard-to-reach areas.

Establishing a Good Flossing Routine

Creating a good flossing routine is important to your oral health and general well-being. Many people are confused about how often they should floss. It is not necessary to floss after every meal. However, most dental professionals agree that you should floss at least once per day to remove any plaque and food that may be stuck between the teeth or along the gum line.

Flossing is most easily accomplished using thin, waxed floss that will gently glide between your teeth without shredding. However, this is not the only type of floss available. You can also find unwaxed varieties of floss, as well as thicker flosses that can accommodate larger gaps between teeth. Floss is also available in different flavors, such as mint and bubblegum. Flavored floss can be used to help encourage younger children to floss.

Consider flossing at the same time that you brush and rinse. Start with a thorough brushing to remove the bulk of food particles and plaque from your teeth. Then use a piece of floss to remove sticky or stuck-on plaque between the teeth. Follow up with a mouthwash containing fluoride to help remove any remaining debris and to give you fresher breath.

How to Properly Floss Teeth

Flossing doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Here are some simple steps to achieve a great floss technique at home:

1. Break off about 18 inches of floss and hold one end in each hand. Wind each end around your middle fingers until you only have about one to two inches left.

2. Hold the floss tautly between your forefingers and thumbs. This will help create a tight, smooth surface that will glide between your teeth.

3. Carefully glide the section of floss between two teeth using a gentle back and forth motion. Do not snap the floss against the gums to avoid irritation or bleeding. It’s also important to use slow motions without too much pressure as this can sometimes cause crowns and fillings to dislodge.

4. Once the floss has reached the gum line, curve the floss into a “C” shape against each tooth. Slide the section of floss into the space between the tooth and gum to remove any plaque or debris that may be stuck.

5. With the floss held tightly against the tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth as you move the floss in up and down motions. Continue this technique with the remaining teeth in your mouth. Do not forget to floss the back side of your last tooth. After you floss between each tooth, pull out a new section of floss.

After finishing flossing, discard the floss as it should not be reused. A used piece of floss is not as effective at cleaning as a new piece of floss and will leave bacteria in your mouth.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Clermont Dentist

Proper flossing can help keep your mouth free from harmful bacteria and improve your overall health. For more information about proper flossing techniques or to schedule a routine dental cleaning with our dentist in Clermont, contact the dental professionals at Hancock Village Dental today.