FLOSSING

Importance of Flossing Teeth

You might not actually feel it but particles of food normally remain trapped in between teeth and also underneath the gum line. This can lead to plaque accumulation which with time hardens to tartar and this can cause periodontal disease and tooth decay. By flossing every day you will be able to get rid of these food particles and plaque and this way you will have healthy gums.

Helpful Tips on Flossing

Brushing your teeth two times daily will not guarantee you healthy teeth and gums. This is because there are areas where the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. For healthy gums and teeth you also need to floss once daily. Flossing every day helps remove food particles and plaque trapped underneath the gum line and between teeth. You can prevent gum disease and tooth decay by following a simple oral hygiene routine, eating healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly.

If you experience difficulty flossing you can use floss holders or other interdental cleaning aids. Interdental cleaners help in the removal of plague trapped between teeth. Interdental cleaners can be in the form of narrow brushes, wood-sticks or pricks. Ask your dentist to recommend the best cleaner and advise on their proper use.

Choose dental products that has been approved for sale by your local healthcare authority and deemed as safe to use.

You should talk to your dentist about the correct flossing technique. Flossing may feel a little awkward in the beginning but with time you get used to it.

Below are tips to guide you when flossing:

• Use floss of roughly 18 inches. Wind a small amount of floss on the index finger of one of your hands; this finger will take used floss. Wind the rest of the floss on the other hand’s index finger. The finger with little floss will take up the used floss.
• Tightly hold the floss between forefingers and thumbs. Gently move the floss back and forth between teeth. Do not snap the floss inside gum tissue as this can cause injury.
• Curve the floss into a C-shape against a tooth when you reach the gum-line. Gently slide the floss into the spacing between the tooth and gum.
• With the floss held tightly against one of your teeth. Rub the tooth’s sides by moving up then down very gently. After the floss is in place avoid the sawing motion.

Repeat procedure for all your other teeth. Unwind clean floss from one finger and wind used floss on the opposite finger. Make sure that you floss even the back part of the back teeth.