Often people are careless when it comes to flossing. Some people even skip flossing completely because they think that brushing alone is sufficient. If that’s you and you want to take your oral hygiene to the next level, here are few tips to help.
Brushing does a great job of cleaning the exposed surfaces of your teeth, but flossing really is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing helps to to keep your breath fresh and improve your overall oral hygiene. If you’re not flossing daily, it’s time to get started!
If you already floss daily, but want to do a better job at it, here are a few tips to help you out:
Be Gentle
There's no need to floss vigorously between every tooth, sawing up and down over and over with force. In fact, this kind of flossing can actually damage your gums. A gentle yet firm motion is ideal, moving up and down the sides of each tooth just a couple of times. That's all you need to do to prevent plaque buildup.
Consider Flossing First
Flossing removes plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth. Some of the particles removed from between your teeth could land on the exposed surfaces of your teeth where they can continue to damage your enamel. Why not try brushing after flossing? That way you're able to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning. If you want to be extra diligent you could try brushing, then flossing, and finally rinsing with water or mouthwash.
Choose The Right Floss for You
Waxed, unwaxed, thick, fine, ribbon, or comfort floss, there's a wide range of floss styles for you to choose from! There are also picks, pre-threaded flossers or even water flossers. Take your time and choose the product that works best for your unique smile, and that you find easiest and most comfortable to use. The easier and more positive you make flossing, the more likely you are to floss every day. Your dentist would be happy to help you to choose the option that works best for you.