Before we get into the subject of flossing, I need to point out some common misconceptions. Flossing teeth is not a replacement for brushing teeth! Many people make a mistake of thinking that if they floss regularly, their teeth are “good to go.” That’s not the case. Another common misconception is that flossing is “extra,” not really necessary, or for people who have already have cavities. This isn’t true either! What’s ideal is to combine flossing and brushing. As a matter of fact, research shows that if you don’t floss, you actually miss 40% of your tooth surfaces, making you much more likely to get cavities. With that being said, using both flossing and brushing regularly is absolutely necessary for good oral hygiene.
Why floss?
When we eat, food tends to “stick around” for a while. As you already know, food sticks between our teeth, creating bad breath and irritation. Sometimes you might not even notice that you have food in the small areas between your teeth. If it remains there unnoticed and if you don’t take care of it, many periodontal diseases might occur. Flossing your teeth takes care of the remains of your food.
How should you floss properly? What’s the proper technique?
Yes, it’s important to floss but it’s important to floss the right way! If you don’t do it correctly, your flossing won’t have any effect on your teeth; it would just be a waste of your time!
Well, it’s time that you learn how to floss your teeth the right way!
- First of all, you should pull an arm’s length of floss (18 inches). Whether you choose waxed or unwaxed floss, it’s entirely up to you!
- Now, wrap the pulled floss around your two middle fingers. Once you have wrapped the floss you should have an inch or two left that you will use for cleaning.
- Make sure you curve the floss around the base of each and every tooth.
- Make sure you go beneath the gum.
- Go up and down, back and forth.
- Don’t rush the process. You should floss your teeth gently. Rushing may cause the floss to break or your gums to bleed.
- As you go from tooth to tooth, remember to clean each one with a clean part of the floss.
- Enjoy your smile!
Ideally, you should floss after your meals and before bedtime. Practice makes perfect! If you have any questions about your teeth give East Chestermere Dental a call today.
The Final Verdict
Yes, that’s it! As you can see, flossing your teeth is not hard at all. If you follow this guide your teeth will be clean and healthy. Remember, flossing teeth does NOT replace brushing your teeth! You should definitely do both and not choose one over another.