How to Properly Floss
Brushing at least twice a day is excellent for your dental health! But did you know that without flossing, you’re missing almost 35% of each tooth’s surface? Flossing is a key part of practicing good dental hygiene and can help you reach those areas your toothbrush can’t, such as between your teeth and just below the gum line. Regular flossing can make a world of difference and should be a part of everyone’s daily routine.
When to Floss Your Teeth
Knowing when to floss also contributes to great oral health! Will some prefer to floss after brushing, flossing beforehand can be way more beneficial.
If you brush first and floss second, food and plaque will remain in your mouth until the next time you brush. If you floss beforehand, the brushing will remove all the released particles and plaque from your mouth, contributing to better overall oral hygiene and less risk of developing gum disease.
How to Properly Floss Your Teeth
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help ensure you are flossing correctly:
- Break off between 18 to 24 inches of dental floss.
- Loosely wrap up most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving only about 2 inches of floss to use for your teeth.
- Hold the floss firmly with your thumbs and index fingers.
- Place the dental floss between two teeth and gently move the floss back and forth to rub it against each tooth. Be careful not to rub against your gums to avoid scratching or bruising!
- When you reach near your gums, curve the floss into a “C” shape so the floss can easily get into the space between your gums and tooth for a full cleaning.
- Repeat these steps and work your way through your entire mouth between each tooth using a clean section of the floss each time.
- Finish by rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash!
Dentist in Fairfield County
If you are experiencing any dental problems or want to learn more about what you can do to protect your teeth, give Fairfield Dental Arts a call at (203) 254-3780.