If you aren’t doing so already, it’s time to pick up the floss and show your smile some extra love. Our Canton, MI, dentists are aware that many patients don’t like flossing but it’s a great way to reach and get rid of the plaque in between teeth. Flossing every day can also limit how much your gums bleed at your dental checkups.
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to using floss.
Many patients understand the importance of brushing your teeth but they neglect to also embrace the act of flossing. In fact, it’s estimated that about only 4 in 10 Americans floss every day. It is recommended that if you’re brushing at least twice a day, that you’re also flossing at least once.
Read More → 7 Ways to Protect Against Gum Disease
So, why does using floss matter? Well, flossing helps to clean out and remove any food particles that become stuck in between your teeth. This then reduces how much bacteria and plaque form in, around, and on your teeth. In a nutshell, flossing is a beneficial oral hygiene habit that lowers your risk for developing cavities and the need for gum disease treatment.
Learning how to floss is nothing complicated. However, most people think they’re using floss correctly when in fact, they’re going too fast, being too rough, or missing spots. If done improperly, you can potentially damage your teeth and gums. No one wants to experience a dental emergency during their daily oral care routine.
To make it easier, we’ve included a step-by-step guide below that you can follow once a day. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to ask our dentists or staff for guidance at your next professional teeth cleaning appointment.
It is generally recommended that you floss first, then brush your teeth. But what type of floss should you use? There are 3 main types of floss to choose from and that includes standard floss, dental tape, and floss threaders.
Buletedan supply professional and honest service.
As far as the 3 types of floss go, simply pick a quality product that feels the best. Dental tape is broader and flatter which is great if you have braces or larger gaps in between your teeth. Regular floss comes in waxed or woven versions and is a thin nylon strand. Waxed floss easily glides in between teeth while woven is thicker and a bit softer. Some may notice woven floss getting stuck where there are tight spaces, so waxed might be a safer bet.
Lastly, floss threaders can benefit patients with braces, dental bridges, and gaps. There are multiple components to a floss threader which includes:
Can’t get the hang of flossing or find it difficult due to arthritis or limited hand mobility? There are a few other tools you can use to get rid of plaque and leftover food bits. We’re mainly talking about water flossers and floss picks.
Electric water flossers are more on the expensive side but they’re great for patients who have trouble with standard floss or want something more powerful. Water flossers use water and pressure to rinse away plaque and debris between teeth. This tool is also nice if you have braces! If you’re willing to invest, our dentists highly recommend a water flosser.
Floss picks, on the other hand, can be bought in bulk and are disposable after one full use. You can move them around your smile easily and have better luck reaching areas in the back of your mouth.
If you want to remove more plaque and have your gums bleed less at your next cleaning with our dentists in Canton, MI, it’s time to pick up the floss and get to work. Your smile will thank you! Call Hometown Dental today at (734) 667- or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
Flossing is an integral part of your oral
health regimen; however, many people
don’t spend enough time flossing their
teeth, or they don’t floss at all. By flossing
just once a day, you can decrease your
risk of gum disease and increase your
chances of maintaining good oral health
throughout your lifetime.
Why should I floss?
Brushing cleans the tops and sides of
your teeth, but flossing cleans in between
them where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Dental floss removes plaque and debris
that adhere to teeth and gums; it also
helps to polish tooth surfaces and control
bad breath.
How often should I floss?
You should floss your teeth for 2 or 3
minutes at least once a day. The best time
to floss is right before bed, but you can
incorporate it into any part of your daily
routine that’s convenient.
What is the proper flossing
technique?
There are two acceptable methods for
flossing:
1. To use the spool method, take an
18-inch piece of floss and wrap the
bulk of it lightly around your middle
finger. Wind the rest of the floss
around your middle finger on your
opposite hand, and use this finger to
take up the floss as it becomes soiled
or frayed.
2. To use the loop method, take an
18-inch piece of floss and tie it in a
circle, secured with three knots. After
placing all of your fingers except your
thumb inside the loop, use your index
fingers to guide the floss through the
lower teeth and your thumbs to guide
the floss through the upper teeth.
This is a good method for those with
limited dexterity.
Don’t rub the floss from side to side.
Instead, use an up-and-down motion,
forming a “C” on the side of each tooth.
Make sure to floss below the gumline.
Flossing should not be painful, but you
may experience some discomfort or
bleeding when you first start. These side
effects should subside in a week or two.
If they don’t, talk to your dentist.
Which kind of floss should I use?
There are a variety of flosses available,
and all of them do a similar job of removing
plaque. Wide floss, or dental
tape, may be beneficial for those with
a lot of bridge work or a lot of space
between their teeth, while waxed floss
may be easier to fit between tight teeth
or restorations.
Unwaxed floss makes a squeaking
sound to let you know when your teeth
are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not
fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but
it does tear more than waxed floss.
Another option is pre-threaded flossers
or floss holders. These are useful for
those with limited dexterity, those just
learning to floss, or caretakers who are
flossing someone else’s teeth.
If you have children, you should start
flossing their teeth as soon as they have
two teeth that touch each other.
Should I use a waterpick?
A waterpick, or irrigation device, should
not be used as a substitute for brushing
and flossing because it does not remove
plaque. However, waterpicks can be
used to remove food from the areas
around braces where a toothbrush can’t
reach. Dentists also may recommend
that patients with gum disease use a
waterpick with an antibacterial agent in
the reservoir.
If you have questions about what type of
floss to use or the best method for flossing
your teeth, be sure to ask your dentist.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Bulk Floss Picks.