Flossing daily is an essential part of good dental hygiene and it helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath by cleaning the teeth and gums where brushing can’t reach. It’s important to know how to use the proper flossing technique to clean the teeth efficiently and without injuring the gums. Here is everything you need to know about how to floss correctly.
Floss Daily
The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after brushing, as long as you do it. You may want to save your flossing ritual for the evening to get your mouth clean before bedtime; but if you find yourself too tired at the end of the day, flossing in the morning is better than not flossing at all.
Use Enough of the Right Kind
Single filament floss looks like a skinny single thread and is stronger, thinner, and better able to get into smaller spaces. Multi-filament floss has many nylon fibers bonded together and is less expensive, but also more prone to breakage and snags on dental work like braces. Whichever kind you prefer, use about 18-24 inches of floss wound around your middle fingers and work with about an inch at a time, using a clean piece between each tooth.
Use the Right Technique
Very gently ease the floss in between your teeth, but don’t let it forcefully snap down into your gums or it can damage the soft tissue. Move the floss up and down around the curve of the tooth, and be sure to get all the way down into your gum line where the most bacteria hide. Remember to get the backs of your rear molars as plenty of particles can get trapped back there as well. When you are done, follow up with a rinse of plain water or a good mouthwash to clear away all of the old bits of food you’ve dislodged.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you haven’t had a regular flossing routine before, your gums may bleed a little at first, and they may feel sore afterwards. This can deter some people from flossing, but it is completely normal. It just means your gums are sensitive from having the decay that’s been sitting there removed. It gets better every time you floss and should subside within a week, but if you are concerned, it’s a good time to schedule an appointment with your dentist and let us know.
If you lack the dexterity to use regular floss or simply want to find an efficient alternative, there are a few options to make sure your teeth are still getting the cleaning they need. Portable floss picks are great for travel or when you are away from your medicine cabinet; floss threaders can help you get the floss between your teeth, especially if you have braces; electric flossers are easy and efficient; and water flossers are gentle and a great option for kids or people with gum sensitivity.
Rigby Advanced Dental offers comprehensive dental care and our staff is happy to assist you in establishing an oral care routine that is right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
