Flossing

The importance of flossing!

The act of gently massaging a plastic string between each tooth isn’t appealing to a lot of people. But it serves a very important purpose.

Flossing not only removes food debris from places your toothbrush can’t reach, but it also disrupts cavity-causing bacteria from breeding between your teeth. It’s important to do it every day.

Traditional floss can be difficult to use for some people. There are other options available:

• dental tape, which is a flatter and wider version of floss

• dental picks

• pre-threaded flossers;

• interdental brushes that reach between the teeth

• water flossers

• wooden or plastic sticks.

You can always ask your dentist/periodontist what types of product is best for you and how to use it.

Step 1: Take a length of floss equal to the distance from your hand to your shoulder. Wrap it around your index and middle fingers, leaving about two inches between your hands.

Step 2: Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a “C” shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times.

Step 3: Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. Don’t forget the backs of your last molars. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles.

Step 4: Brush your teeth after you floss – it is a more effective method of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

A trip to the store to purchase dental products can be daunting – which ones to choose? Ask your dentist to recommend what works for you. You can also look for the CDA Seal.

CDA Seal