Regular flossing is a recommended way of keeping your teeth clean and hygienic besides brushing. Not only does flossing eradicate chunks of food lodged between teeth, but it also prevents plaque and bacteria build up in hard-to-reach places where your toothbrush can’t access.
According to a survey carried out by the American Dental Association (ADA), only sixteen percent of a surveyed group reported flossing at least once a day while the rest only do so when necessary. Nonetheless, if the majority who floss practice improper technique, they are susceptible to damaging their gums when too much force is applied while flossing. Therefore, to prevent this, we take you through several steps on how to floss correctly.
Flossing Under the Following Circumstances
While flossing is a generally hygienic method of cleaning your teeth, those undergoing the following symptoms mentioned below should take extreme caution when flossing with these tips to prevent harming themselves.
- Sensitive Gums – Applying too much pressure to sensitive gums will only cause them to bleed. Choose a soft floss with smooth sides to wrap between teeth comfortably without cutting your gum.
- Braces or Dentures – Opt for a specialized floss recommended by your orthodontist to enable you to floss correctly.
- Menopause, Childbirth, or Menstrual Cycle – During these times, a woman’s body tends to excrete estrogen and progesterone hormones, which increase sensitivity and inflammation of gums. Use soft floss to avoid puncturing the already swelled gum tissues.
Steps to Flossing Properly
- Choose Your Suitable Floss Type
When it comes to learning how to floss correctly, it’s crucial to select floss that best suits you. There are various floss types, each serving their purpose. Soft floss is suitable for people with sensitive gums, while tough threads don’t snag.
- Pulling the Floss
When dispensing, it’s essential to pull out a length amount sufficient for your index fingers and thumb to wrap around on each edge. Ideally, 18 inches is a suitable length that provides enough space to maneuver.
- Lining the Thread
Begin to gently slide the thread between your teeth in a zigzag pattern to glide through. Take caution as you doing this to prevent using too much force that can cause trauma to the gum.
- Floss in Angles
Angle the thread to press against the side of the tooth you are cleaning. This will scrape off any lingering food particles and plaque that you didn’t scoop off during the first attempt.
- Brush Soon After
It’s a good practice to brush your teeth after flossing. This thoroughly flushes out any loosened chunks of food completely off your teeth. Furthermore, it helps clean your teeth and stimulates your gums, keeping them relaxed.
In Summary
Your smile is an essential aspect of your appearance. By flossing regularly, you help boost your dental hygiene as well as the quality of your smile. For further dental care assistance, feel free to contact our Mountain View Dental office here at Pleasant View, Utah. Schedule an appointment with our professional staff today.