Flossing
The act of gently massaging a plastic string between each tooth isn’t appealing to a lot of people. But it serves a very important purpose.
Flossing not only removes food debris from places your toothbrush can’t reach. It also disrupts cavity-causing bacteria from breeding between your teeth. It’s important to do it every day.
Traditional floss can be difficult to use for some people. There are other options available:
- dental tape, which is a flatter and wider version of floss
- dental picks
- pre-threaded flossers;
- interdental brushes that reach between the teeth
- water flossers
- wooden or plastic sticks.
You can always ask your dentist what types of product is best for you and how to use it.
Step 1: Take a length of floss equal to the distance from your hand to your shoulder.
Wrap it around your index and middle fingers, leaving about two inches between your hands.
Step 2: Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a “C” shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times.
Step 3: Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. Don’t forget the backs of your last molars. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles.
Step 4: Brush your teeth after you floss – it is a more effective method of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.