When it comes to flossing, people often don’t take much care. Some people even skip flossing altogether, believing that brushing is adequate. If you're one of those people and you'd like to take your oral hygiene to the next level, here are some flossing tips to get you started.
For cleaning the exposed surfaces of your teeth your toothbrush does a great job, but flossing is pretty much the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
That means that if you’re not flossing daily, it’s time to get started! Flossing will help to keep your breath fresh and improve your oral hygiene.
Perhaps you already floss but want to improve your technique. Here are a few tips from our Surrey and Delta dentist to help everyone floss better:
Be Gentle
Some people feel that you need to floss vigorously between every tooth, forcefully sawing up and down over and over. However, this kind of heavy handed flossing can actually damage your gums. To prevent plaque buildup, floss with a gentle but firm motion, and move up and down the sides of each tooth just a couple of times.
Try Flossing First
By flossing you remove the plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth, but some of those plaque particles could land on the exposed surfaces of your teeth. To avoid damage to your tooth enamel caused by those particles try brushing after flossing. This will allow you to brush away the bacteria, providing you with a more thorough cleaning. You could even try flossing, then brushing, and finally rinsing with water or mouth wash for the ultimate oral hygiene routine.
Find The Right Floss for You
A wide range of floss styles are available to choose from: fine, thick, ribbon, comfort floss, waxed or unwaxed. There are also pre-threaded flossers, picks, or water flossers to help you get the job done. All you need to do is decide which product will work best for your unique smile. The flossing method that you find easiest and most comfortable to use is the right product for you. After all, the easier the flossing experience, the more likely you are to floss regularly. Ask your dentist to help you choose the option that will work best for your lifestyle, and your smile.