Brushing two to three times a day is an essential part of maintaining proper dental hygiene. However, a toothbrush has a hard time reaching all the tight spaces between your teeth. Bacteria feeds on the bits of food that gets stuck in these spaces and produces an acid that causes tooth decay, cavities, and ultimately gum disease. That’s where flossing comes in.
Why You Need to Floss
Flossing is an often overlooked part of maintaining a beautiful smile. Flossing is an essential part of any good dental routine because floss can reach the tight areas of our mouths that a toothbrush cannot. An effective flossing technique is key to preventing gum disease and a receding gum line. It can also preserve the aesthetics of your smile as you age.
The Right Way to Floss
Mastering the flossing technique can be challenging. To get the most out of your floss, wind about 18 to 24 inches of floss around each middle finger, leaving just an inch or so to work with. Tightly hold the floss between your thumb and index finger, then gently slide the floss between your teeth. In a push-pull motion move the floss back and forth. Bend the floss around the base of each tooth to make sure you get beneath the gumline. Always use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
String Floss Alternatives
Many people find string floss to be difficult to work with. Rather than foregoing flossing altogether, here are some string floss alternatives that can help you maintain a proper dental hygiene.
- Floss Holders – A floss holder is a piece of plastic designed to make holding floss easier. Some people find that the easier grip provided by a floss holder allows them to focus better on cleaning their teeth rather than managing the floss around their fingers.
- Oral Irrigator – An oral irrigator or water flosser jettisons a stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food debris in between your teeth.
Get the Best Care from Annapolis Dental
If you want to schedule your next visit, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! We can give you more information, or schedule your appointment. Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.