Does your dentist regularly ask you if you floss your teeth? Even though flossing is part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you may still be missing essential areas that are prone to infection, or you may not know the proper technique to ensure you get every bit of debris.
We’ll explain how to floss the right way below so you can maintain your oral health and keep your teeth in mint condition – literally.
Why Flossing Is Important
There are many benefits when it comes to flossing your teeth once a day. Not only are you removing debris and making your teeth whiter, but you’re also protecting yourself from tooth decay and gum disease.
Though gum disease can cause by things like smoking or certain medical conditions, it can also cause by a lack of dental hygiene. If you’re not brushing your teeth properly or visiting the dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning, bacteria will build up in your mouth, and tartar will continue to stick to your teeth.
The longer the bacteria and tartar stick to your teeth, the more it has the chance to eat away at the enamel and leave you susceptible to infection or tooth loss. When a disease is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Dental floss can also help reach areas between your teeth your toothbrush can’t reach. It can remove food debris that will otherwise sit there and continue to yellow your teeth. Flossing takes a few minutes out of your day and when done the right way, saves a lot of time and money!
How To Floss Your Teeth
There is a specific technique you should use when it comes to flossing.
The first step is to break off a piece of dental floss; that’s about 18 inches long. It allows you to hold it more comfortably between your fingers and still be able to reach between each tooth, especially towards the back of your mouth. Next, hold it between your index fingers and thumbs and gently place it between your teeth.
As you move between the next teeth, use a clean section of floss. When you’re getting close to the gum line, make a c shape with the floss and gently bring it back down. Being rough or gliding right through your gums can cause bleeding and bruising. When you are done, throw the dental floss in the garbage, not down the toilet!
Best Floss To Use
A lot of people torn between waxed, unwaxed, or flavored dental floss. They are all beneficial and safe to use. They also say it’s not about what type of floss used but how it handled. If you’re rough with an unwaxed floss, it may start to shred and leave pieces of floss around your teeth.
Ask Your Dentist
If you floss diligently but still aren’t sure if you’re doing it right, it’s best to ask your dentist to show you a proper example and what dental floss they recommend. By putting a few minutes aside to floss around every tooth once a day, your oral health will drastically improve.