You’ve heard that flossing daily is part of a good dental hygiene routine, but is it really that important? Yes it is! By the time you finish this post, we hope you will understand why flossing is important and how to make the best possible use of your flossing routine.
Why Is Flossing Important?
Brushing helps remove the acids and bacteria from the front, back and chewing surfaces of your teeth. The space between teeth, however, makes up approximately forty percent of their surface. This surface can’t be reached by brushing, which leaves bacteria to continue eating away at the enamel on your teeth, eventually causing cavities. Flossing helps prevent gum disease as well.
See Also: Gingivitis: The Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
How Often Should You Floss?
If you floss properly, not missing any teeth, once a day should be sufficient. While the best time to floss is right before bed and after you are done eating for the day is ideal, any time that works for your schedule is fine if you do a thorough job. The point is to get in one good flossing a day.
Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?
According to a poll, 53% people brush before flossing, while 47% brush after flossing. It does not matter whether you floss before or after brushing. The most important thing is to floss and give some time to your dental care.
How Do You Floss Correctly?
Cut of a piece of your chosen floss to about eighteen inches. You then need to wrap each end around a finger on each hand until you have a piece of floss that can reach your back teeth comfortably. It helps to have a regular order of flossing so you don’t miss any teeth. Starting at the back of either the top or bottom, place the floss behind the tooth and then bring one end around each side. Starting at the top; use up and down motions to gently scrape your tooth. Continue this process one tooth at a time until you have finished.
Is There a Best Practice for Choosing Floss?
Any floss is better than none at all, but there are some things to consider. If your teeth are close together, you want to look for thinner floss that can fit easily between them. If the spacing is wider, flat floss will work fine. You can try either nylon or Teflon floss as both are effective. You may want to try several styles to determine which works best for you.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Flossing?
Make sure you are using the correct technique to effectively get rid of plaque from between your teeth. If you floss too hard, you can damage the tissue in your teeth. If you are flossing too gently, you might not be able to get the food out of your mouth.
It should not be painful to floss. You can feel some discomfort when you start flossing for the first time. Your gums may bleed a little when you start to remove plaque between your teeth. Carry on flossing, the pain and bleeding would stop within a week or two. But if your pain and bleeding persists, consult your dentist.
You can try wooden plaque removers or a plastic floss holder to clean between your teeth with one hand. If you have bridges and braces, you should carefully reach underneath the wires and restorations and between your teeth. You can use a floss threader or a Super Floss.
If flossing becomes difficult for you, you can take advice from your dentist about different ways of cleaning or removing plaque between your teeth.
Contact Fabey Dental Studios at (610)-810-2704 to learn more about the effective flossing techniques.
Original Post: Fabey Dental Studios Blog
Comments
This is true flossing is very important and integral part of oral health. As toothbrush only cleans the tops and outer surfaces of the teeth, gums but floss is an inter-dental cleaner. which clean the tight spaces, gap between the base of the teeth and the gums.