A step-by-step guide on how to properly floss:
Proper flossing is essential to maintaining good oral health, and as a dental hygienist, I often emphasize the importance of technique to ensure you’re getting the most out of your efforts.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly floss:
1. Choose the Right Floss There are different types of floss available, including waxed, unwaxed, dental tape, and floss picks. Waxed floss can slide more easily between tight teeth, while unwaxed floss might provide a bit more friction for plaque removal. Dental tape is flatter and wider, which some people find more comfortable for larger spaces between teeth. Choose the type that works best for your teeth and preferences.
2. Take the Right Amount of Floss You’ll need about 18 to 24 inches of floss for proper use. This may sound like a lot, but it allows you to use a fresh section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth, which helps avoid reintroducing plaque and bacteria between your teeth.
3. Wrap It Around Your Fingers Wrap most of the floss around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of floss to work with between your thumbs and forefingers. These fingers will help guide the floss, and you’ll unwind more clean floss as needed.
4. Guide the Floss Between Your Teeth Using your thumbs and index fingers, gently guide the floss between two teeth. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss into place, as this can damage your gums. Instead, use a gentle sawing motion as you work the floss down between the teeth.
5. Form a C-Shape Around Each Tooth Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it around the side of one tooth, forming a “C” shape. This helps the floss hug the contour of the tooth and allows you to reach just below the gumline, where plaque and debris often accumulate.
6. Move the Floss Up and Down Gently slide the floss up and down against the side of the tooth while maintaining the C-shape. Move the floss up into the space between the gum and tooth, but avoid snapping the floss onto the gums. This helps remove plaque and food particles without causing gum irritation.
7. Repeat for Each Tooth Once you've cleaned one side of the tooth, use a fresh section of floss and repeat the process on the other side of the tooth. Then move on to the next tooth, always using a clean portion of floss for each space to prevent spreading bacteria.
8. Don’t Forget the Back Teeth It’s important to floss the back teeth, even though they can be harder to reach. For the teeth at the back of your mouth, use the same C-shaped motion to clean the side of the tooth and under the gumline.
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9. Rinse Your Mouth After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any loosened debris and bacteria. This step helps ensure you’ve cleared out any plaque or food particles that may have been dislodged during flossing.
Tips for Successful Flossing:
Be Gentle: Gums are sensitive, so flossing should never hurt or cause bleeding (unless you’re just starting and your gums are inflamed). If you experience discomfort, try being gentler or switching to a softer floss.
Floss Daily: Consistency is key. Flossing once a day is ideal to maintain gum health and prevent plaque buildup.
Floss Before Brushing: Flossing before brushing can help loosen plaque and debris, making your toothbrush more effective at cleaning your teeth afterward.
Why Proper Flossing is Important Flossing is crucial because it reaches the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot, removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. By taking the time to floss correctly, you’re protecting your gums and supporting overall oral health.
Want to learn more about keeping your teeth and gums healthy?
Schedule a cleaning at Star Dental today and let our experienced hygienists guide you through proper flossing techniques and personalized care to maintain a radiant smile!