Flossing is something that numerous of people opt to pass up, as they believe that brushing their teeth after each meal is more than enough dental care, but that is not the case. Plaque and bacteria buildup begins to become present in between the teeth when flossing is avoided, leading to serious issues like cavities, decay, bad breath and tooth loss if not removed. Flossing should be performed once a day, preferably at bedtime, in order to contribute to a good oral hygiene routine and prevent these issues from occurring. The toothbrush simply can’t get in between your teeth where they contact each other. Therefore, cavities will form right at that tight junction. This is how dentists know the difference between people that floss and those who don’t. Inflamed gum tissues are also a dead give away that someone is not flossing.
Dental Floss Options
There are several varieties of floss to choose from. There’s unflavored, flavored, un-waxed, waxed, etc. You might have to put every one of them to the test in order to find the one that you prefer, but nonetheless, they all are effective if used well. It’s suggested that you opt to floss after brushing your teeth, to prevent fluoride from getting stuck in your gums.
Ideal Process
The recommended way to floss is to first take about eighteen inches of dental floss and then wrap most of the floss around your two index fingers. The floss needs to be held tightly between your index fingers and thumbs, then you can go ahead and gently slide the floss between your teeth. When the floss makes contact with the gums, move the floss gently in a ‘C’ motion. Utilize a gentle up and down motion in order to clean the area. It’s important to repeat this process between each tooth.
Don’t Forget the Back of Your Mouth!
When it comes to flossing, you shouldn’t neglect your rear molars. It can be a bit of a hassle to get to that area, but it’s very necessary. When you’re done flossing, rinse your mouth with water. That’s all there’s to it!
In addition to brushing and flossing at home, regular visits to your dentist should be an essential component in your dental care routine. Contact Lifetime Smiles to set up your appointment today. We want to help you keep a healthy smile for years to come!
