Cleaning between your teeth daily is essential to maintaining good oral health. Well, brushing is great. But did you know that only brushing won’t keep your mouth clean? Proper dental flossing reaches those parts where your toothbrush can’t, between your teeth and under the gum line. Left untreated, the bacterial buildup can cause cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. We know we should floss our teeth at least once every day, but everybody does not know the proper way to do it. If you don’t have time for flossing in the morning, always floss before your final brush of the day, i.e., before bedtime.
Step-by-step guide on how to floss your teeth correctly:
- Break off nearly 18 inches of dental floss and coil most of it around one of your middle fingers. Coil the remaining floss (2-3 inches) around that same finger of your opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it turns dirty.
- As you floss your teeth, hold your floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth in a slow rubbing motion. Never snap or force the floss into your gums, as this may cut or bruise your delicate gum tissue.
- When the floss reaches your gum line, bend it into a C shape against one tooth. Slowly slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Hold the floss firmly against the tooth. Slowly rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Move to a clean section of floss and repeat this process on each of your teeth. Don’t skip the back side of your last tooth.
- Floss in a clockwise motion, starting with your upper molars on your left side and ending with your lower molars on your left side.
- Once you’re done, throw the floss away. A used piece of floss won’t be good and could leave bacteria behind in your mouth.
- Follow with brushing and washing your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash.
What kind of floss should I use?
It’s just a piece of string. Two types of floss are usually available:
Nylon (or multifilament) floss
Nylon floss is a type of dental floss made from multiple nylon strands. It is the most common type of dental floss and can be found in most drugstores and supermarkets. Nylon floss is available in both waxed and unwaxed varieties.
How to floss your teeth with Nylon Floss?
To use nylon floss correctly, you will need to start with a small length of floss. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches in between. Then, holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, slide it up and down against each tooth. Be sure to get under the gumline and work the floss back and forth carefully. When you are finished with one tooth, move on to the next one and continue until all of your teeth have been cleaned.
PTFE (monofilament) floss
While more costly, single filament (PTFE) floss slides easily between teeth and is virtually shred-resistant.
If it’s difficult to use regular floss, you can try floss picks, water flossing, or other tools.
How to floss your teeth with PTFE Floss?
PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is floss made from a monofilament.
To use PTFE floss, wind it around your middle fingers and hold it taut between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back-and-forth motion to clean the sides of your teeth. Be sure to use a gentle touch so as not to damage your gums. When you are finished Flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or bacteria.
Get a little extra help!
Now, if you’re looking for a dentist near me in Oak Forest, IL, then surely call us at Advanced Solutions Family Dental Remember, you’re not alone. Talk to your Dentist in Oak Forest about what kinds of oral care products will be most effective for you.