How to Floss the Right Way?

How to Floss the Right Way?

Posted by ROBERT ASTLES, DDS on Aug 11 2020, 12:42 PM

How to Floss the Right Way?

Brushing and flossing are the most important dental care practices that should be followed to keep your teeth free of cavities. It is recommended to brush at least twice a day, and for areas between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach, dental floss is necessary to remove food particles and plaque. Flossing is essential because if plaque or debris settles between your teeth, the bacteria will wear away the enamel, causing severe damage to the teeth. 

Water Pick vs. Manual Flossing

There are several methods one can use for flossing - water pick or manual flossing. Some people choose an air pick or a water pick to clean between their teeth without the need to fit floss between their teeth at all.  You can also use a flosser tool to hold floss for you and make it easier to get to hard-to-reach areas. However, many people still prefer the old method of holding the floss between their hands and manually removing offending debris. Dental floss is a thin thread of waxed nylon used to reach below the gum line and clean between teeth. The proper flossing technique is to wrap the floss between your thumb and forefinger of both hands and guide the floss between all teeth to the gum line, to pull out any food particles or the plaque that builds up. It is advised to floss at night to ensure that your teeth are clean before you go to bed. 

Whichever method you choose, make sure to clear plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. Move along the edge of each tooth to remove anything that might be stuck in between. 

If you choose flossing manually, use about 18 inches of floss, form a C shape around one tooth and slide down into space between. Always ensure that the floss reaches every tooth in the mouth. 

Types of Dental Floss

Always choose the right type of floss; many people think that a waxed floss will move more smoothly. Another benefit of waxed floss is that the wax also keeps the floss from becoming frayed and tattered, thus preventing the risk of getting trapped between the teeth. However, if you have tightly packed teeth, unwaxed floss might be the best option as the wax may make it difficult to fit between tight spaces.

Several flavored floss brands are also available and can help establish good oral hygiene habits in children, making the experience more entertaining. 

Remember that brushing alone is not sufficient to maintain oral and dental hygiene. Make sure you care for your teeth by flossing at least once a day. And when you do, make sure you do it right!

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