The Importance of Flossing
Everyone knows that flossing is an essential part of your oral health routine, but many don’t realize how important it is, or how to do it correctly. There are also several products out there for flossing besides the usual dental floss such as picks, small brushes, and water flossers. The essential part of flossing is actually to do it.
Whether you do it before you brush, after you clean, in the morning, or before bed, flossing is vital to healthy teeth and gums. No matter how great a brusher you are, it is impossible to get all the hard-to-reach places in between your teeth, which is where floss comes in. When conducted correctly, the floss will remove all the food particles and plaque that hides in between your teeth. If left too long, plaque can start to push itself in between your teeth and gums causing gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Flossing at least once a day is ideal.
Flossing Correctly
If using the necessary dental floss, pull out a piece that is approximately eighteen inches long and wind it around one of your middle fingers until there are about two or three inches left. It doesn’t matter which finger you use, but often starting with the hand you write with will be more comfortable. Wind the other end of the floss around your other middle finger and grip tightly between your thumb and index finger.
Gently slide the floss along with your teeth and if it is difficult to get it between two teeth use slight pressure while pulling it back and forth until it slips between your teeth. Never use a lot of stress or snap the floss between your teeth or you may cause tissue damage. As you reach the gum between the teeth, pull it around the tooth in a “c” shape and move it up and down to dislodge any stubborn plaque. As you floss, wind the used floss around your other middle finger giving you a clean section for each tooth.
While flossing shouldn’t cause any pain, if you haven’t done it in a while or use too much pressure, you may experience some pain and bleeding which will generally go away within a week or two of daily use. Learn about dental sleep medicine.
Don’t Forget Your Yuma, AZ Dentist
While brushing and flossing will help you maintain a healthy mouth, they can’t replace the clean you get at your dental office. If you would like more information about flossing or looking for a dentist in Yuma AZ, please do not hesitate to contact 32nd Street, Yuma, AZ Dental Care today!
