FLOSSING TEETH
Why Should I Floss My Teeth?
You don’t need anyone to tell you again: you know that brushing your teeth twice per day helps keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free!
But when you’re just brushing and not flossing, you’re only cleaning 60% of your teeth’s surfaces. Flossing reaches where the toothbrush can’t and removes the food and plaque that causes cavities, gum infections, and in more severe cases, periodontal disease.
My patients often tell me they don’t like how much time it takes to floss, but flossing is so important to keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free. To get the most out of flossing, make sure you’re using the best type of floss for you and the correct technique. You can learn how to floss teeth properly, and then read on to discover how you can choose the best type of floss for you!
Flossing is vital activity for keeping teeth clean, and can significantly reduce the chances of cavities and tooth decay as well as gum disease. Remember to help your child learn proper flossing techniques from an early age.
How to properly floss your teeth:
Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Repeat this procedure for each tooth using a fresh part of the floss, and don’t forget to floss behind your last tooth
If you have trouble flossing or are uncomfortable flossing, we can show you the proper technique, suggest aids and offer tips on how to get the most out of your flossing.
How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth?
We recommend flossing at least once a day to remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can't reach. The main benefits of flossing are that it prevents cavities, tartar build up, gum disease, and bad breath. Don’t wait until you feel like there’s food stuck between your teeth to floss. There’s plaque buildup on your teeth on a daily basis that needs to be removed.
Flossing your teeth should not be painful. You may experience discomfort and a small amount of bleeding when you first start your flossing regimen, but with daily flossing and brushing the discomfort should subside within a couple of weeks. If pain persists, consult your dentist.
Tips for Choosing a Type of Floss
When you go to the store to look for floss, chances are you’ve been overwhelmed by the large variety to choose from. We recommend that my patients try a few different types of floss to discover what works best for them. In general, unwaxed floss has been considered the best because the individual filaments of the floss typically clean more effectively than waxed floss where the filaments are bound together. Regardless, using floss that works for the individual is most important; Flossing in some way is better than not flossing at all!
Common Flossing Questions?
I have trouble reaching my back teeth
I have trouble reaching my back teeth If you have trouble reaching the back of your mouth to floss those teeth, then a floss pik with a long handle might help. You can use the handle to get a better grip on the floss while comfortably flossing the hard-to-reach areas.
I don’t know how to floss because I have a bridge
It’s still possible to floss if you have a bridge! Floss threaders (like “Superfloss”) are helpful because the soft, woven end fits comfortably under the bridge and catches debris. Small floss brushes are also helpful for keeping bridges clean.
If you’re still having trouble flossing with a bridge, I recommend a “Waterpik.” It’s not quite as effective as traditional floss, but it’s much better than doing nothing at all!
I just don’t have time to floss
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, then make time to floss! The little floss picks are great if you’re short on time. Keep some in your desk at work, in your car, or by the T.V. and floss whenever you have a spare minute. The good thing about flossing is that it doesn’t have to be at a certain time every day...just as long as you do it once!
If you have any questions at all about flossing, or need help choosing the type of floss best for you, just ask! We will help our patients learn how to floss, and also recommend the ideal floss based on their individual schedule and lifestyle. It may also be helpful to bring the floss you’re using into the dental clinic so we can make sure you’re doing it in the most effective way.
Overall, flossing should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, so make sure you taking the time to do it; your teeth and gums will thank you!
