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Your dentist has told you a million times, you need to floss
daily, and yet you may not be doing it. Flossing is one of the most important
things you can do for the health of your teeth. When done properly and when combined
with brushing, it’s the more effective way of keeping your teeth free of decay
and plaque build-up. So, why does this matter? Because, plaque turns to tartar
when it gets built up, and this leads to tooth decay and cavities, root canals,
and a whole host of other dental problems. Flossing removes plaque, if you get
rid of it before it has a chance to turn to tartar, then you will be in much
better shape. No matter how well you brush, if you do not floss properly you
will likely get cavities.
So, how do you floss properly? Try this:
- Do it
daily. Experts recommend you floss at least once a day.
- Do it
in the right order. You should floss your teeth before you brush your
teeth or use mouthwash after, so you can brush or swish away any debris
from your mouth.
- Use
the floss you like. There are a lot of varieties of floss out there, so
pick one that fits between your teeth, glides easily, has a pleasant
taste, and that you like. It really will not matter a whole lot whether it
is waxed, unwaxed, or flavored. Most people prefer waxed floss, as it
slides in and out easier and is less likely to shred as you floss your
teeth.
- Use
the right floss for your mouth. If you have wide gaps in your teeth,
dental tape may be a better option than floss. This is wider than floss,
and works better for people with gaps.
- Use
the right floss for your situation. Regular old dental floss is not always
the right option. For example, if you have dexterity problems, or may if
you are all about easy and want something a little more convenient, you
can purchase floss picks that are pre-strung, and that allow you to floss
with one hand, then discard the pick when you’re finished. Or maybe you
have a child, and you need motivation to floss, try a good flavor. Whatever
type you decide use is your personal preference, but make sure the floss
is approved by the ADA (American Dental Association.)
- Use
the right amount of floss. When you floss, remove about 18 inches of floss
from the container, or use a pick.
- Hold
your floss the right way. If you get your floss from the container, wrap
it a few times around a middle finger, then wrap the remainder around a
middle finger on the other hand, leaving 1 to 2 inches of floss in the
center. You then want to pull the floss taut and pinch it between your
thumbs and index fingers.
- Be
gentle, get the gums. With the floss in the center of your fingers stretched
tight, slowly and gently work floss between your teeth and down to the gumline.
- Don’t be
rough. You do not want to snap the floss in and out of your teeth, this
can cause gum damage.
- Up and
down. Most people think floss should go back and forth, but this is
incorrect, once it is in your gumline you will want to scrape away the
food particles and plaque by moving the floss up and down the tooth and
under your gumline.
- Brush
well. Once you’ve flossed, brush your teeth using proper technique.
Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy,
clean, and free from decay. By flossing regularly and properly, you can avoid
cavities and other serious tooth problems, and maintain a healthier, happier
smile.
Dr. Natalie Ann Amann, DDS, and the King of Prussia Smile Center are leaders in Montgomery County cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Amann is highly experienced in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. To get more information on how Dr. Amann can give you a brilliant smile visit the King of Prussia Smile Center or call (610) 265-3939.
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