Dentist’s Guide To Proper Flossing
Oral health is the gateway to our overall physical health. One is intrinsically linked to the other. A good oral care routine can help you boost your oral health considerably. We are all aware of the importance of regular brushing and flossing. However, are you sure that you know how to properly floss? Our dentists at Brammer Dental have brought to you the ultimate dental guide to proper flossing. This will help you to elevate your dental hygiene and protect you from dental complications.
What Is Flossing?
Food can also get stuck in between your teeth. This can be extremely harmful because we know how certain kinds of food can negatively impact our dental health. Your regular toothbrush is not equipped to get in between your teeth and remove the stuck food particles. This is where dental floss comes in handy. Flossing regularly will help you to reduce the chances of plaque buildup and protect you from tooth decay. It is a form of interdental cleaning and will take your oral care routine up a notch.
How Often Should You Floss?
Flossing once a day is a must. That is usually enough for a person. However, you can consult your dentist if you think flossing once a day is not working for you. The correct technique might also help you.
Do You Floss Before Or After Brushing?
As long as you brush and floss thoroughly you are good to go. According to the ADA, the order of the routine does not matter. However, many people prefer flossing before brushing as it helps to loosen the stuck remnants of food.
How To Floss Properly?
Now that we have an overview of flossing let us master the art with these simple steps.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT FLOSS
It is very important to choose the correct floss according to your dental requirements You can choose between a multifilament and a single filament floss. A multifilament cord is primarily made of nylon. They are very effective but break easily for people whose teeth are tightly packed. Single filament cords on the other hand do not shred that easily. You can also consider using floss picks, water flossing, and various flossing tools. However, do not forget to consult your dentist before settling down on an option.
THE PERFECT LENGTH IS IMPORTANT
You must use a proper length for flossing for better grip. It should ideally be between eighteen to twenty-four inches. However, if your floss has become shorter by mistake then just break off more when it is required.
WRAP THE STRAND ON YOUR FINGERS
Wind the floss around the middle finger of one hand. After that, you need to wrap the rest of the strand on the middle finger of the other hand. This finger will be used to roll up the used filament.
RUB THE FILAMENT BETWEEN YOUR TEETH
Hold the floss in a flexed manner and rub it in between two teeth. Be extremely gentle while doing this. Keep rubbing back and forth. Be careful to not snap it into the gumline. Rub it carefully to avoid any damage.
FOCUS ON THE ANGLE
Focusing on the correct angle is important in this procedure. When you reach the gum line, make a “C” shape with the filament. Push it in the gaps between your gum and teeth. Be extremely gentle while doing this. Repeat in the opposite direction
ROLL THE FILAMENT
Use your thumb to unroll a new part of the floss. Roll the used strand from one hand to the other when you shift to a different one. Do not forget to floss the side and back as well. This ensures effective cleaning and gives the best results.
DISCARD THE USED FLOSS
Never reuse dental floss which you have already used once. Throw it as soon as you are finished with the whole process. Reusing a dirty strand can pave the way for bacterial infection in your oral cavity. You must use fresh filaments every day while flossing.
We hope this will help you to elevate your flossing techniques. Share this checklist with your friends and family. Looking for the best dental care services in Norman, OK? Get in touch with us at Brammer Dental and enjoy our wide range of services today!
