If you value your oral health and keeping all of your teeth for life, then you probably know the importance of flossing daily! However, while many struggles to adopt the habit, those that already floss regularly could be doing more harm than good. In order to get the most out of your oral care routine, the following guidelines can help make sure you know exactly the right way to floss your teeth.
Before too long, you will be flossing like a pro!
How to Floss Like A Pro!
To start with, you want to unroll about 18 inches of dental floss. If you are daunted by the large selection of dental floss brands available, then look for dental floss that is approved by the ADA (American Dental Association).
Once you have your dental floss ready, wrap the floss around one of your middle fingers, and the other around the opposite finger on the opposite hand.
Next, gently insert the floss between your teeth.
You want the floss to be in a "C-Shape", curving around the front and backside of each tooth.
Keep in mind that you want to be gentle using the floss, you don't want to jerk or move the floss in a slicing motion or force the floss too firmly down into your gum line. This could potentially injure your gums, causing infections and other issues to become prominent. Instead, move the floss in an up and down motion, making sure the floss gets up into the gum of your tooth.
Be sure to change floss regularly if needed. If your floss starts to become frayed, or covered with food and other debris, change it out for a cleaner strand.
Make sure to floss all of your teeth, not just the ones that are easy to reach.
Which One Is Better? Pick or Regular Floss?
It all depends on personal preference. If you like the ease that a pick affords you, then use the pick. If you prefer the traditional spool of floss, then use that instead.
It all comes down to what you're more likely to use to keep up the habit of flossing every day.
What About Air Products or Rinses?
If you are still hesitant about using floss, then you might be interested in using an Air Flosser or rinse to remove the bits of plaque or tartar from your teeth.
Make sure to check the label of an Air Floss or Waterpik for the ADA Seal of Approval. Both tools have been proven effective at removing plaque and tartar.
Why Is It So Important To Floss Regularly?
Flossing is critical to maintaining a healthy smile, preventing gum disease and promoting a healthy gum line and mouth overall by keeping tartar and plaque from building up in between your dentures or your natural teeth.
