Despite dentists’ constant emphasis on its importance, flossing is still the least practiced oral hygiene by most people. Yes, brushing your teeth with toothpaste is a part of dental hygiene, but flossing your teeth helps to remove plaque build-up, which causes tooth decay and other gum diseases. If dentists highly recommend flossing as the best strategy for your oral health, why is it not so popular? Well, many people overlook the importance or just lack the best flossing tips. Flossing is an effective and straightforward process if done correctly and consistently. But how are you supposed to floss? Here are some expert flossing tips for maintaining good breath and a bright smile.
GET THE RIGHT FLOSS
One of the reasons flossing has been unsuccessful is because most people do not like the most common floss-string floss. Getting the right floss help to create a good flossing habit. The American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance has a variety of options you can choose from. Whether you prefer waxed, unwaxed, flavored, or charcoal floss, your dentist will recommend the best one based on your specific dental issue. For example, people whose teeth are close together should opt for a waxed floss.
Water flossers and floss picks are other popular options. Water flossing uses a handheld device that releases water under high pressure to remove the plaque and food substances between the teeth.
BE CONSISTENT
According to the American Dental Association, one should floss once every 24 hours. Whether in the morning or at night, it is important to floss daily, just like brushing your teeth habitually. Flossing takes an average of between 2-5 minutes, which is not too long given the preventive value it brings to oral health.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO FLOSS?
Choosing the right flossing technique is just as important as choosing the material or the floss. The flossing technique can help you form the habit of flossing or make the experience tedious. Flossing techniques range from how you glide your floss through the gums to how long the entire exercise takes. Just like brushing, flossing should not take too long.
The floss should not be too tightly held or snapped in and out of each tooth because it may result in bleeding. If you are flossing for the first time, ensure you do it gently but firmly. The idea is to ensure you don’t injure yourself, but remove all food particles between your teeth.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FLOSS?
This question has two dimensions that have been extensively debated: whether one should floss at night only, and whether flossing should occur after or before brushing the teeth. First, most experts agree that the most important thing is that one flosses at least once every day. However, flossing before bedtime removes all the food particles that the teeth-damaging bacteria depend on. At night, saliva levels are likely to decrease, creating a great atmosphere for these bacteria to operate. Secondly, flossing before brushing helps clean the gums and teeth, allowing the fluoride in the toothpaste to act effectively by accessing areas that food particles would have blocked.
DON’T REUSE THE FLOSS
Flossing allows one to clean between the teeth and remove bacteria-infested food particles. Therefore, reusing the floss will imply reintroducing these bacteria to your mouth, and that’s not healthy. Not only must you use a new floss every time, but you should also keep your floss clean and away from contaminants.
Oral hygiene is essential for your health and self-esteem. By implementing the tips above, you’ll be able to effectively care for your teeth through flossing and maintain that bright smile. In case of any questions, feel free to reach out to our dentists at Westmoreland Dental Group. Contact us today and begin your journey for brighter and healthier teeth.