Floss Your Way to a Great Smile: A Dentist-Approved Guide On Flossing Your Teeth For a Brighter, Plaque-Free Smile
Everyone knows they should brush their teeth at least twice every day.
But when it comes to flossing, some people think brushing with fluoride toothpaste is enough.
The problem is, flossing does something that your toothbrush can’t, even if you use a battery-powered toothbrush. Flossing cleans between your teeth and along the gumline. If you don’t floss, you’re missing out on a vital part of your dental hygiene care.
Check out these benefits to flossing:
- Flossing your teeth can make them look brighter by removing plaque and excess food particles that you may not see in the mirror or in areas that your toothbrush doesn’t reach.
- Flossing helps prevent tooth decay and can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by removing plaque.
- An increasing amount of evidence links periodontal disease – gum disease – to an increased risk of heart disease, although more studies are needed to confirm this link.
Flossing gets easier the more you do it.
Many people refrain from flossing because it makes their gums bleed.
This is a temporary issue. And if you floss with a correct technique, it shouldn’t hurt.
At Forest Ridge Dentistry, we are happy to show you how to floss so that it’s not painful. Please ask us any questions you may have. If you have children, we can help them learn how to floss, too.
Here’s a General Guide for How to Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Step 1. Gently brush your teeth on all sides.
Start with brushing. Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Go in a small circular motion and use short back-and-forth strokes. Brush gently where your gums meet your teeth – your gum line.
Don’t forget to brush your tongue. That can really help with bad breath.
Step 2. Clean around teeth with floss.
The next step is to clean around the teeth with floss. You want to work the floss carefully between your teeth and the gumline.
It helps to curve the floss into a C shape.
Press against one tooth and slide it down between the gum and the tooth. When you move the floss up and down, it will dislodge food particles and remove plaque.
Once you’re finished flossing, make sure to rinse your mouth.
For more tips on flossing or to schedule professional teeth cleaning, we accept adult and pediatric patients. Call us today!
