One key way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is flossing daily. However, most people find it difficult to floss properly. Let’s learn about a simple step to flossing teeth recommended by a dentist near you that will make it easy to perform this important habit in your daily dental routine.
Why Flossing is Important?
Flossing helps to clean your teeth (front, back, and chewing surfaces) and gums. However, there are small areas between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Food and plaque can accumulate in between teeth when not properly cleaned, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing helps to remove the plaque and food that stuck between your teeth to prevent cavity growth and ensure optimal teeth and gums health. Dentists recommend flossing daily, at least once a day, either in the morning or in the evening, to have good oral hygiene.
To floss daily, you require the following items:
- Dental floss: A soft string comes in boxes or small containers. It can be waxed or unwaxed, and it is available in a variety of flavours.
- Floss holder (optional): You can avoid using your fingers by using this tool to hold the floss. Especially for children, it can make flossing more convenient.
How to Floss Your Teeth Properly?
Step 1: Take a Piece of Floss
Cut an 18-inch long piece of floss. Make a ‘C’ shape with the ends of the floss around your middle fingers and then leave just a few inches of floss between them. Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and index fingers.
Step 2: Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth
Slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not forcefully floss, since these actions may hurt your gums, which can be painful, and sometimes it may cause bleeding. If you feel resistance, simply gently move the floss instead of pressing it.
Step 3: Curve the Floss Around Each Tooth
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around the tooth in a C shape. Then move the floss up and down the surface of the tooth and under the gum line. This would help to clean the tooth and the area near the gum.
Step 4: Clean Both Sides
Remember to clean both sides of each tooth. As you move the floss from one tooth to the next, use a fresh section of floss. Don’t reuse the same piece of floss, as it can spread plaque and bacteria around your mouth. Take a new length of floss to clean each set of teeth for the most effective cleaning.
Step 5: Dispose Used Floss
Once you have cleaned all your teeth, dispose of the floss. Do not flush floss into the toilet since it causes blockages.
Additionally, for thorough check-ups and dental cleaning near you, consider scheduling your appointment with a dentist to maintain optimal oral health.
Tips for Effective Flossing
Here are some tips to floss conveniently, which include:
- Be gentle: Always floss gently, as you can injure your gums and cause them to bleed if you floss too forcefully.
- Flossing once a day: You should floss at least once a day. Flossing at night is preferable as it helps to eliminate food particles, plaque, and more that have accumulated throughout the day.
- Use the right amount of floss: Usually, the appropriate length for floss is about 18 inches. Using too little floss can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly, and employing too much can make it hard to handle.
- Use a flossing tool: These tools can be easier on the back teeth and sometimes easier for younger children. If you find it difficult to floss regularly, you may like a flossing tool or pick.
- Ask for professional help: If you are not sure how to floss your teeth correctly, ask your dentist about the right method. They can recommend the correct techniques to floss and ensure you are doing it in the right way. For a thorough understanding of proper flossing and overalldental cleaning in Kelowna, consult with your dentist during your next visit. They can provide valuable tips to help you maintain excellent oral health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes that individuals must avoid while flossing teeth.
- Not flossing enough: Some people skip flossing or do it occasionally. Flossing regularly is necessary for the good health of teeth and gums.
- Flossing too fast: When you are in a hurry, you leave behind areas between the teeth. Take your time to floss your teeth properly.
- Using the same floss for multiple teeth: Reusing the same floss across several teeth can spread plaque. Always take a new piece of floss to clean between each tooth.
- Forgetting the back teeth to floss: Remember to floss around your mouth, even the back teeth, since they require cleaning too.
Smile Brighter with Access Dental
Flossing might seem complicated, but after some practice, it can be done easily and takes less time. Follow these guidelines to floss regularly for long-term oral health and a beautiful smile.
Access Dental Centre is a professional dental clinic offering multiple dental services in a welcoming environment. We have a team of friendly dentists in Kelowna who help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our goal is to help you have a bright and healthy smile with our quality dental care. Arrange your appointment at our dental clinic today and allow us to assist you in achieving the healthy and confident smile you deserve!