Many individuals find flossing to be a less-than-enjoyable task and, as a result, often skip it altogether. It can be a monotonous process that sometimes yields minimal benefits to your oral hygiene.
However, despite the common reluctance, dentists consistently emphasize the importance of daily flossing for maintaining good oral health. So, how should you approach flossing? Is it truly necessary to incorporate it into your daily routine? To assist you in improving your flossing habits, our knowledgeable family dentists have prepared this blog post. In the following article, you’ll discover five valuable flossing tips that will leave a positive impression on your dentist.
1. Technique Means Everything
For most individuals, thin and waxed floss is best. However, if you have wider gaps between your teeth, it is best to use flossing tape which is slightly broader and thicker.
Now that you’ve chosen the floss material that suits you, you must master the techniques for effective flossing. Many people need help with the process of flossing correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use traditional string floss effectively:
- Begin by cutting a piece of floss approximately 18 inches long.
- Wrap the ends of the floss around your fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss for your teeth.
- Hold the floss firmly between your thumb and index fingers.
- Gently guide the floss between two teeth and move it up and down along the sides of the teeth. (Be cautious not to push the floss forcefully into your gums.)
- As the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape, enabling you to clean the area between your gums and teeth effectively.
- Repeat these steps as you move from one tooth to another, ensuring you use a fresh section of floss each time.
You can effectively remove food particles and plaque, reaching up to your gum line by employing proper technique. The advantage of adhering to these practices, as opposed to using floss picks or water flossers, is that you can access and clean the area right up to your gum line and around the base of your teeth more effectively. Other flossing methods may provide a different level of access to these areas.
2. Don’t Rush
Many people who are reluctant to floss often cite lack of time as a common concern. In many cases, their perception is accurate – flossing can be time-consuming and may feel inconvenient. However, the reason dentists strongly advocate for it is due to the preventive benefits it offers to your oral hygiene. Tooth decay is not always prevented by brushing alone, but incorporating flossing into your routine significantly enhances your ability to avoid long-term oral health issues.
On average, you should allocate about 5 minutes for flossing. It’s essential to exercise caution and avoid excessive flossing, which can lead to gum damage and bleeding in your mouth, similar to how prolonged brushing can have adverse effects. So, don’t let the 5 minutes a day deter you from flossing; it’s a small investment in your oral health, and there’s no need to rush through it.
Our advice to patients is, “ Only floss the teeth you want to keep “.
3. Focus On Gums
Brushing benefits your teeth, but flossing is crucial for your gums. One of the primary reasons to remember to floss around your gums is its role in preventing gum disease. Initially, you might experience slight bleeding when you begin flossing, but this is normal. Dental floss is a gentle material; with time, your gums will develop resilience to it, adapting to the flossing process.
If you neglect to include dental floss in your oral care routine, there’s a significant likelihood of encountering gum or tooth issues in the future. Safeguarding your teeth and gum health through regular flossing should be a top priority. You only have one set of teeth, and maintaining their health throughout your life is crucial.
Caring 4 Smiles has your Oral Health as a focus.
At Caring 4 Smiles Dental Group, we are a team of contemporary and welcoming dental professionals in Epsom’s center. We deliver top-tier dental care at reasonable rates in our modern and welcoming facility. Please book an appointment with us to learn about the significance of flossing and ways to optimize your flossing routine!