Oral hygiene refers to the crucial routine you complete to clear away harmful residues like plaque from your smile. If left on your teeth, you could majorly heighten your risk for many dental problems.
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. Flossing is an important step in this process because your toothbrush can’t easily reach the space between your teeth.
Even if you floss as often as you should, you might not achieve ideal oral cleanliness if you do not complete this process with the correct method. Read on to find tips from your dentist about how to maximize oral hygiene benefits while you floss.
Maintain Firm Hold of Your Floss
Before you start your daily flossing, you want to take measures to prepare to do this regimen properly. This means holding it and gripping it firmly to establish a strong foundation.
Start by taking about 18 inches of floss and wrapping each end around the middle fingers of each hand. Then pinch about a one-inch section of this string floss with the index fingers and thumbs of both bands.
You will use that section to floss when the time comes. As you floss and get this section dirty, you can slide to reveal a fresh bit of floss from the string wrapped around the middle fingers.
Maneuver String Floss with Purpose
Once you have a good grip on the floss, you can start this cleaning process. Insert the string carefully between two teeth. Press the string floss against the side of one tooth and gently rub up and down along its surface.
Do the same with the tooth on the string’s other side. Then you can remove the floss, place it between the next two teeth, and repeat the process. Do so for all the teeth in your mouth.
Careful movements ensure that you don’t irritate gum tissue during this process. But you want to make sure you move the floss with purpose so that you don’t miss a spot while cleaning your smile this way.
Consider Alternative Flossing Tools
Traditional string floss can effectively clean your smile and keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. But you can also try other flossing devices that might improve your oral hygiene experience.
For instance, dental patients with fixed oral appliances might benefit from floss picks. These disposable tools feature string floss attached to a plastic handle. This can more simply navigate between braces or other devices for a thorough clean without harming your dental work.
Another option to consider is using a water flosser. This handy tool shoots a stream of water that you can aim between your teeth and along your gum line to clean out plaque and other gunk.
Patients with dental implants or gum problems might appreciate the extra care that can come from this tool. Learn more about flossing devices, oral hygiene, and preventative dental care by contacting your dentist.
Flossing Around Dental Work
If you have dental crowns, bridges, or implants, flossing can be a little trickier. However, it’s just as important to clean around these restorations to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
For bridges and implants, consider using a floss threader. The threader helps guide the floss underneath the restoration to clean hard-to-reach areas. Super floss, which has a stiff end and a spongy middle, can also be useful for navigating around dental work. If traditional flossing feels difficult, a water flosser may be a good alternative for keeping your dental restorations clean.
Why Flossing Helps More Than Just Your Teeth
Flossing does more than just prevent cavities. It also plays a major role in keeping your gums healthy. When you don’t floss, plaque and bacteria collect along the gumline. Buildup leads to inflammation, tenderness, and even gum disease.
Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause receding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated. By flossing daily, you remove bacteria before they can cause damage. Keep your gums strong and reduce your risk of more serious dental problems.
When to Floss for the Best Results
You might wonder whether it’s better to floss before or after brushing your teeth. While either approach is better than skipping flossing altogether, many dentists suggest flossing before brushing. This helps loosen plaque and food debris between your teeth so that brushing can remove them more effectively.
If you tend to forget to floss, try incorporating it into your nighttime routine before bed. This ensures you go to sleep with a cleaner mouth, reducing the amount of bacteria that sit on your teeth overnight.
Signs You Might Need to Floss More Often
Even if you brush thoroughly, your gums and teeth may show signs that you’re not flossing enough. If you notice any of these issues, you may need to be more consistent with your flossing routine:
- Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
- Persistent bad breath
- A buildup of plaque or tartar between your teeth
- Redness or swelling along the gumline
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed when you floss. If they do, this could be an early sign of gum disease. You may need to step up your flossing habits or visit your dentist for a professional cleaning.
Talk to Your Dentist About Your Flossing Routine
Flossing is a key part of maintaining good oral health, but don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for guidance. At your next dental visit, they can demonstrate proper flossing techniques and recommend tools that might work best for your unique needs.