Flossing is as necessary as brushing your teeth when it comes to maintaining your oral health. So why do only 16% of Americans floss daily? Some people see flossing as an extra hassle that they simply don’t have time to fit into their daily routine, but it is critical to reducing the bacteria in your mouth and preventing cavities. This article will outline the steps you can take to start flossing each day the way that dentists recommend.
- Pick the right floss for your teeth. There are a few different ways to go when picking out your next supply of floss at the grocery store. Standard floss is the most-used variety and comes waxed or unwaxed. Go for the waxed floss if your teeth are crowded together, as the wax will make it easier for the floss to get in those tight spaces. Super floss works well if you have dental appliances like braces because it has three parts to it. The spongy part of it cleans around the appliance, the stiff part cleans under, and the regular floss works on the gum line and between the teeth. The last option is dental tape, which looks more like a ribbon and works best on teeth with gaps between them.
- Take 18 to 24 inches of dental floss and wrap most of it around your two middle fingers. Hold it taut and move the floss up and down each side of the tooth, taking care not to dig into the gums too much. Curve the floss around the base of the tooth to dislodge any food particles near the gum. Be sure to use a new section of floss for each new tooth.
- Brush your teeth after flossing. Many people brush their teeth before flossing, but brushing after ensures that all of the food particles and bacteria dislodged during flossing get washed away. If flossing is the final part of your routine, those particles may stay on your teeth and contribute to plaque buildup.
- If you have braces, follow the steps above, but first, thread the floss underneath the wire to get to the teeth. Take care when removing the floss, so you don’t snap a wire.