How to Floss Your Teeth

How to äoss your teeth?

If you want to keep your teeth natural for life, make sure to floss them every day. Flossing is the best way to remove bacterial plaque and food debris from the tiny space in between your teeth and into the gum line that your toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

The bacteria that lives in dental plaque also called biofilm love these hard to reach places and are a big threat to your teeth and gums. That’s why it is important to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed time and before brushing your teeth.

Here’s how it’s done:

Tear off a piece of floss that is about 12-13 inches long. Wind it around your middle fingers leaving a gap of 3-4 inches between them. This will allow you to vary the combination of fingers that you use to work comfortably and position the floss properly in each area of your mouth.

Now! Guide the floss in between your teeth while relaxing your facial muscles so that you can easily reach around your mouth. Gently curve the floss around the tooth while moving it up and down the surface. By curving the floss, you get below the gum safely.

If you’re using an unwaxed floss, you’ll hear a squeezing sound once the tooth is clean. When you finish the first side of the space, clean the other. Repeat the process between each of your teeth as well as the surfaces behind the last teeth.

If you find this technique difficult, try other products designed to make the job easier such as floss holders and interdental Brushes. Discomfort while flossing is a sign that you may be doing it too hard or incorrectly, so ask your dentist for a demonstration in your next dental appointment. If your gums bleed when you floss, make an appointment to see your dentist as this is a sign of gum disease.

Flossing effectively takes practice but you will soon get the hang on it. Remember you need to floss all your teeth, not only the ones you want to keep.

Want to learn how to properly floss your teeth? Make an appointment today at Affinity Dental Clinics and let our dentists teach and educate you about how you can keep your natural smile with proper oral hygiene.