Flossing is probably the most underrated method out there for people looking to improve their oral health. And though flossing has existed and prevailed for years and years, we are still doing it wrong!
By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of how to floss, which together with brushing that white, pearly smile will be easier to accomplish! We will be teaching you about flossing itself, and some tips for appropriate flossing as well as some don’ts. Enjoy!
What’s the deal with flossing?
First of all, we would like to begin the topic by listing what flossing is about. This will serve as a small overview as to what you should be accomplishing with it. Something like a what it is and what it is not.
When we floss, it is not just about mindlessly moving a piece of thread around hoping for the best. Instead, we look to get to the places where the toothbrush cannot get or reach to. And that is in between the teeth.
If avoided, food particles will get stuck in your teeth, which the bacteria that develops plaque will take advantage of. And you should know as much as we do that plaque hardens, it turns to tartar! So if you want to avoid bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay altogether, flossing is the way to go.
As to how many times you should floss your teeth, Los Algodones dentists recommend at least once a day. Typically before heading to sleep. This does not mean it can performed only once a day; if you wish you can floss after every meal.
How you should floss your teeth
The steps to properly floss your teeth is quite simple once you have practice:
- Get about 18 inches of dental floss wrapped around one of your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss with your thumb and index finger.
- Rub the floss between your teeth with an ever so gentle motion. If the thread snaps, you are not being gentle enough!
- When you reach the gum, curve the thread against your tooth. Sort of a ‘C’ shape. Then guide it back out.
- Do not shove it down on your gums. In other words, avoid all damage.
- Apply this to all of your teeth. Make sure to get the molars if you can!
Dental floss alternatives
It is worth mentioning that if you do not go along with dental floss, there are other products you can try out.
There exist tiny brushes specifically made to reach between the teeth, dental picks, water flossers, etc. They all work, it is just a matter of personal prefference. You can find all of these at excellent prices in pharmacies in Los Algodones!
Signs you are not flossing well
As such, as there are good ways to accomplish good flossing, there are bad tips that you must avoid:
- If the thread snaps often, you might be being too forceful or impatient with it. Instead, take your time, flossing requires practice.
- Do not force the floss onto your gums, you could harm them. Use a gentle zigzag motion.
- As there is ‘flossing too hard’, there is also its counterpart of ‘flossing too gently’. If you are being too soft about it, you might not be getting the food remnants out!
- Remember not to miss the back teeth when flossing. As they have grooves and fissures, they are tricky to maintain clean.
It is totally normal to feel slight discomfort the first or two weeks of starting flossing. If that continues, you should speak to your dentist. They will be able to give you some hindsight as to what to use or how to use it depending on your gums.
