Tips on Flossing Flossing is an effective way to maintain good oral health. There are many reasons to floss. It removes plaque and food particles lodged between your teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush may not reach. Another benefit of flossing is that it removes bacteria stuck between your teeth. If left, they can cause cavities and gum disease. While many people brush their teeth regularly, only some incorporate flossing into their oral hygiene routine as they brush. Of course, it isn't easy to know exactly how to floss your teeth, but with the help of Wildhorse Dental's dental care team, it can be easy and effortless. General Tips on FlossingDental flossing has many benefits when it comes to good oral health. However, if not done correctly, you may not enjoy those benefits. To start with, choose the right type of floss for your teeth, depending on what works best for you. Standard floss is a thin, nylon strand that you can easily slide through the gaps in your teeth. If you have braces or your teeth are close together, waxed floss may be best for you as it slides better between the gaps without getting stuck. However, if you have no issues with flossing, then unwaxed floss may be more convenient. Dental tape is an excellent option if your teeth are crowded, and you often find that floss gets stuck in the gaps. Dental tape is so thin that it can easily slide through tight gaps. You can also opt for different flavors or whitening charcoal flosses for a bit of novelty. When it comes to flossing, consistency is the key. Make sure you do it every day! Even if you only have time for a quick once-over with the floss daily, that's better than nothing. Knowing when to floss is just as important. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it doesn't matter if you floss before or after brushing. Flossing before brushing helps in removing food debris and plaque, creating a smoother surface for the fluoride toothpaste to act on. On the other hand, flossing immediately after brushing helps to spread fluoride between the teeth. While flossing, don't rush the process. Take your time and be gentle. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it around each tooth in a c-shape, then use an up and down motion to remove plaque. Be sure to floss all of your teeth, including the back of the last molars (wisdom teeth). Remember to change the floss after every use to avoid re-depositing bacteria. How to Floss CorrectlyImproper flossing can irritate or even damage your teeth and gums. However, with a few guidelines, it becomes easy. To begin with, break off about 18 inches of dental floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers. Leave a short piece about one to two inches long to work with. Next, hold the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers. Slide the floss between two teeth and gently glide it up and down around the base of each tooth. Curve the floss at each tooth's base, ensuring you go beneath the gum line. Don't snap or force the floss into your gums, which can cause bruising and bleeding. Once you've flossed each tooth, use a clean section of the floss for each tooth and repeat the process. To remove the floss, use a back-and-forth motion to slide it out of the gap. Other Tools to Make Flossing EasierBesides regular dental floss, you may also find other tools beneficial to make flossing easier and faster. An electric or water flosser uses water and pressure to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. While both are great options if you have difficulty using regular floss, the water flosser is especially useful for those with braces since it can clean between brackets and wires. You can also opt for disposable floss picks, which can easily get to the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. For more information and tips on flossing, visit Wildhorse Dental or call us at 636-537-0447. We're happy to help! |
Office HoursMonday: 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday: 7:30am-3:00pm Fri‑Sun: Closed |
