Schedule AppointmentAre You Flossing Correctly?
Do you floss every day? If you don’t you should; and if you do, make sure you’re doing it right! The practice of flossing removes any plaque that is wedged between teeth, helps to prevent gum disease, and enhances overall dental health.
Because it is so important, be sure to avoid the following mistakes:
Using the same section repeatedly.
Nothing works to remove food particles stuck between teeth like dental floss. If you keep using the same section of floss, however, the removed plaque and bacteria will make its way to the next tooth. Slow down and move the floss after every set of teeth to keep your smile clean and healthy.
Stopping because gums bleed.
When your gums bleed, it means you have been neglecting your flossing. However, things get worse before getting better. Gently wiggle floss in between teeth, and the gums will become less sensitive over time. Make sure you are flossing slowly and aren’t jamming the floss into your gums.
Flossing too aggressively.
Slowly wriggle the dental floss up to the gums, using the natural curve of your teeth as an aid, rather than forcefully jerking the floss between the teeth. Always use a mirror when flossing, and avoid any aggressive motions.
Skipping the back teeth.
Just because your molars aren’t seen, doesn’t mean you should ignore them! Plaque that is trapped in your front teeth are easier to reach, but your molars perform the bulk of the chewing, so naturally more food gets lodged between them. The food particles left behind can lead to cavities, decay and unpleasant breath.
These mistakes are common among patients who floss, but nothing is worse than neglecting to floss altogether. Show off your best smile by practicing proper flossing!
Because it is so important, be sure to avoid the following mistakes:
Using the same section repeatedly.
Nothing works to remove food particles stuck between teeth like dental floss. If you keep using the same section of floss, however, the removed plaque and bacteria will make its way to the next tooth. Slow down and move the floss after every set of teeth to keep your smile clean and healthy.
Stopping because gums bleed.
When your gums bleed, it means you have been neglecting your flossing. However, things get worse before getting better. Gently wiggle floss in between teeth, and the gums will become less sensitive over time. Make sure you are flossing slowly and aren’t jamming the floss into your gums.
Flossing too aggressively.
Slowly wriggle the dental floss up to the gums, using the natural curve of your teeth as an aid, rather than forcefully jerking the floss between the teeth. Always use a mirror when flossing, and avoid any aggressive motions.
Skipping the back teeth.
Just because your molars aren’t seen, doesn’t mean you should ignore them! Plaque that is trapped in your front teeth are easier to reach, but your molars perform the bulk of the chewing, so naturally more food gets lodged between them. The food particles left behind can lead to cavities, decay and unpleasant breath.
These mistakes are common among patients who floss, but nothing is worse than neglecting to floss altogether. Show off your best smile by practicing proper flossing!
Courtesy of Trillium Dental
