Flossing is believed to be one of the major steps for keeping teeth and gums healthy. Between the teeth, there may be food and plaque that a toothbrush might have missed to clean. Proper flossing can prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Here are some general recommendations by a dentist near you that will surely help in flossing your teeth easily and efficiently.
Benefits of Flossing
Flossing offers several benefits, including:
- Removes plaque: Flossing helps to remove the plaque between teeth and below the gumline, which likely causes cavities and gum disease.
- Prevents gum disease: This process prevents gingivitis, which is a mild form of periodontal disease.
- Keeps breath fresh: It helps eliminate food particles that can cause bad breath.
- Reduces the chance of getting cavities: Flossing can help reduce the possibility of getting a cavity.
Step 1: Choose the Right Floss
Types of Floss
- Dental tape: This is flat and wide, suitable for people with wider spaces between their teeth.
- Floss: The wax-coated surface makes teeth slide smoothly.
- Unwaxed floss: Thin and might be frayed but works well in small or tight areas.
- Floss picks: Small plastic devices with attached floss are good to use.
Tips to Choose the Right Floss for Your Needs
- Sensitive gums: Try waxed floss or dental tape.
- Tight spaces: Use unwaxed floss or floss picks.
- Comfort: Choose the floss that is comfortable and easy to use.
Step 2: Good Floss Length
Length of Floss
Take an 18-inch-long piece of floss. This length is enough to floss between all your teeth.
How to Hold the Floss Around Your Fingers?
- Take the floss and hold it around your middle fingers, leaving 1-2 inches to work with.
- To floss between your teeth, use your thumb and index fingers.
Step 3: Flossing Technique
How to Hold the Floss Correctly?
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Use a gentle sawing motion to floss between your teeth.
Sliding Floss Between Your Teeth
- With a zigzag motion, floss between your teeth without forcing the floss; curve it around the edge of each tooth in a C shape.
- This helps clean both surfaces of the tooth.
Moving the Floss Up and Down Along the Tooth and Under the Gumline
- Move the floss up and down gently along the sides of the tooth.
- It is recommended to gently slide the floss below the gum line to remove plaque from the mouth.
Step 4: Be Gentle
Important of Gentle Flossing
- Flossing too hard might hurt your gums and even result in bleeding.
- Avoid hurting your gums by flossing gently.
Some Tips to Floss When You Have Sensitive Gums
- Soft floss: Switch over to softer waxed floss rather so that it does not hurt as much when it comes into contact with the gums.
- Warm salt-water rinse: If your gums feel sore after flossing, rinse them with warm salt water to soothe them.
- Dentist Visit: If your gums are bleeding a lot or feel very sensitive, it’s important to see your dentist for advice. You might need to consider options like dental cleanings in Kelowna or other treatments to help fix the problem.
Step 5: Take a New Section of Floss
To avoid spreading plaque, use a clean section of floss for each tooth. As you move to the next tooth, pull a new piece of floss from your fingers.
Step 6: Flossing the Back Teeth
Techniques for Reaching the Back Teeth
- Angle the floss to better reach the back teeth.
- Gently use back-and-forth motions for those areas.
Why Back Teeth Should Not Be Neglected?
- The back teeth are just as important to clean as the front teeth.
- Do not forget to floss them to keep away cavities and gum problems.
Step 7: Rinsing Your Mouth
Rinsing with Water or Mouthwash After Flossing
Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash can help remove any remaining food particles or plaque that may have been loosened when flossing.
How Many Times You Should Floss?
Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day. It helps remove food particles, plaque, and other substances stuck between teeth, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
The right time to floss is before brushing your teeth. This helps the fluoride in your toothpaste clean your teeth more effectively. Flossing at night is important since it helps to remove food and plaque from the mouth that has built up throughout the day.
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Dental Appointment!
At Access Dental Clinic, our dentist in Kelowna utilizes advanced methods of treatment to treat patients. At our clinic, we offer effective services in a comfortable environment. We invite you to our dental clinic in Kelowna for quality dental care and a positive dental experience. Call now to make your booking and start your journey to a healthy smile!