A Dentist Explains The Proper Way To Floss

Floss with confidence.

So let’s get down to business: flossing. You think you know how important it is and the best way to do it, right? Well, you would be surprised to learn that most people are actually not flossing properly.

I can’t express how important flossing is and how essential it is to your dental health. Flossing allows you to reach food particles in between your teeth and below the gum line, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach! If you don’t floss, you are leaving behind a ton of food and germs that can lead to gum disease, bad breath and even tooth loss!

How to Floss 

Take 18-24 inches (2.5-2ft), and wrap it around your middle fingers, this should be the length of a banana let’s say, and twirl it around your middle fingers. Hold the floss with your index fingers and glide the floss against each side of the tooth. Create a “c shape” and make sure you rub it up on the tooth surface. You want to get some friction going— don’t cheat and just go up and down!

There are many types of floss and floss aids available. The most popular ones are interdental brushes.

It’s great if you have larger spaces in between your teeth, and also excellent if you have braces or dental work like crowns, bridges or implants. Water flossers are also gaining popularity, as they shoot high-pressure water at the gums and can be good for dislodging larger food.

When it comes to recommending a flossing regimen, it all depends on your needs and finding what works for you. The important thing is to partner up with a great dental team, including a dentist and dental hygienist. This team will help you develop the perfect oral hygiene regimen for you.

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