Flossing is an important and vital technique required if you wish to have a healthy and clean smile. Many people avoid flossing their teeth because they don’t quite understand the process involved, and if you are one of those people, we are happy to help you learn all about flossing with this Q&A:
Question: How do I floss?
Answer: Start with 18 inches of floss and wrap most of the floss around each pointer finger. Leave about an inch or two available between your two fingers. Then, use your thumbs and index fingers and slide the floss between your teeth, gently moving it up and down along the sides of your teeth. Next, gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth and move it back and forth. Make sure you do so beneath the gumline but be gentle while you work under and around the gums. Repeat this process between each tooth and remember to use a new section of floss as you proceed from tooth to tooth.
Question: Why is flossing important?
Answer: Flossing is very important because it helps deeply clean your smile and it removes the plaque from your teeth, which essentially saves your smile from gum disease and tooth loss.
Question: What can I use to floss?
Answer: There are many options to consider when flossing. Dental floss, dental picks, pre-threaded flossers, small brushes that successfully clean between teeth, water flossers, or wooden plaque removers are all great choices. There are two common types of floss, which are nylon and PTFE. Nylon floss is available waxed and unwaxed and it is known to come in a variety of flavors. Because the floss is made of nylon, it tends to tear or shred while you floss. PTFE is a more expensive type of floss that slides easily between your teeth without shredding.
Question: What time should I floss?
Answer: As long as you floss at least once a day, it does not matter what time you floss. Many people like to floss right before they go to bed because they like to sleep with a clean mouth, but your preference is all that matters. If you want to floss after lunch or before breakfast, go right ahead!
To learn more about flossing and deeply cleaning your smile, call our office today. We are here to help you reach your smile goals, and we are happy to do so by teaching you all about flossing!