We stress the importance of maintaining a regular cleaning regimen and flossing your teeth to all of our patients. Many people understand how to clean their teeth properly, but flossing is often overlooked or done improperly. Flossing is a must to remove plaque and bits of food that have become lodged between teeth. This article will discuss the proper approach to floss your teeth and avoid gum disease.

Worth of Flossing

If you don’t floss regularly, food and plaque will get lodged between your teeth and gums. Bacterial plaque builds on teeth and, if not removed by brushing, can lead to cavities and gum disease. Plaque accumulates in the crevices between your teeth, making it impossible to clean them with only toothbrushing. Because of this, it is crucial to floss at least once a day to prevent gum disease and cavities.

How to Floss Properly

Use the Right Floss

You can find floss in a variety of forms, including waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, and unflavored varieties. As long as the ADA has approved it, you can use any floss you like. Some people may find that waxed floss is more convenient because of how easily it slides between their teeth. Some favour unwaxed floss because of its greater pliability and precision in tight spaces.

Be sure you Floss Regularly

To do this, cut a length of dental floss about 18 inches long and wind it around your two middle fingers. After this, approximately one to two inches of floss should remain. When flossing, it’s best to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth rather than recycling the same one repeatedly.

Flossing the Right Way

Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger, and use a sawing motion to carefully guide it between your teeth. You shouldn’t snap the floss between your teeth to keep from injuring your gums.

Wind the Floss Around Each Tooth in a Curved Motion

Floss each tooth by wrapping it in a C shape around the tooth and then working the floss up and down the side of the tooth and under the gumline. Floss thoroughly, paying special attention to the spaces between the molars in the rear.

Use Clean Floss that hasn’t been Exposed to Bacteria

If you’re flossing multiple teeth at once, discard the used floss and start with a new section between each tooth. Use the second piece of floss to repeat the up-and-down and back-and-forth motions you did with the previous piece.

Ensure you Gargle Regularly

Water should be used to flush the mouth after flossing to remove any lingering bits of food or plaque.

Tips for Efficient Flossing

  • You should floss at least once a day, preferably before bed.
  • Instead of sawing, try a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion.
  • Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid contaminating the rest of your mouth with germs.
  • Use dental floss to clean in between all of your teeth, including your back molars.
  • If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, you must take care of the space between them. Cavities and gum disease frequently occur here because people don’t floss regularly.
  • If you have difficulty getting floss between your teeth, an interdental brush or floss holder may be useful.

Useful Advice and Flossing Supplies

Don’t Rush

Flossing effectively requires undivided attention and resolve. Be diligent and get in between each tooth to remove food and plaque. An incomplete procedure increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Use Appropriate Methods

If you want to be sure you’re getting all of the plaque and food particles out of your teeth, you must use the proper flossing method. The best way to floss is to gently slide the floss between the teeth and gently wrap it around each tooth so that it touches the gums. Scrubbing in a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion is more effective at removing plaque.

Don’t Forget About Your Back Teeth!

In particular, the rear molars are frequently skipped over during flossing. Not caring for your teeth can lead to costly and unpleasant problems like cavities and gum disease. Be sure to reach the back of your mouth with the floss and clean every surface of your teeth.

One must not Reuse Dental Floss

It’s common practice to reuse dental floss, even though it may increase the likelihood of acquiring cavities and gum disease. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria from one tooth to another.

Consider Using Floss Picks or Water Flossers

Some people find floss picks and water flossers to be more convenient and comfortable alternatives to traditional flossing. A dental floss pick is a tiny, plastic instrument with two prongs used to thread dental floss. Those who have trouble using their hands will value its convenience and ease of use. An alternative to traditional flossing is using a water flosser to shoot a stream of water between your teeth and clean them.

See a Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to keeping your pearly whites in tip-top shape. They allow for early detection and treatment of problems, including cavities and gum disease. Your dental hygienist is the most qualified person to address any concerns you may have regarding flossing.

Conclusion

Prevention of cavities and gum disease requires regular flossing. It is crucial to employ the proper method while trying to clean the spaces between your teeth and gums of food debris and plaque. If you want to prevent the spread of bacteria in your mouth, you should floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. A dentist or dental hygienist can show you the ropes if you struggle to floss your teeth and gums.

At Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental, we care deeply about each patient’s oral health. Our staff of dentists and hygienists is expert in the most efficient flossing techniques and materials.

We provide a full range of dental care services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care. If you have questions about flossing or want to make an appointment, please call us at 519-893-9494.

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.