Flossing 101: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Floss

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, it’s not enough to just brush your teeth. You have to floss. Flossing is an essential tool for preventing gum disease, cavities, and maintaining overall dental wellbeing. If you want to learn proper flossing techniques, look no further. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to floss so that you can maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Why Floss?

Before we delve into the topic at hand, we must first discuss why it is important. The truth is, despite how meticulous you might be, you cannot achieve a thorough cleaning by brushing alone. Flossing is the only way to remove food particles, buildup, and bacteria caught between your teeth. When properly implemented, flossing mechanically removes the plaque from those surfaces before it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. By keeping the spaces between your teeth clean, you can avoid gum disease, which can lead to other health conditions.

Step 1: Establish Routine Oral Health Care at a Dental Office

The first and most important step for establishing optimal dental health is to seek routine professional evaluation and treatment. During your regular dental checkup appointment, your dentist and dental hygienist will help you identify and treat your specific dental conditions. Aside from rendering needed dental services, they can also recommend products that will best address your oral health needs.

Step 2: Choose the Right Floss

With so many varieties of floss on the market, choosing the right kind can feel overwhelming. When it comes to choosing a flossing method, options range from traditional dental floss to floss picks, interproximal brushes, and water picks.

Some individuals are often torn between traditional string floss and floss picks. When it comes to which one is more efficient between the two, the reviews are mixed. Some studies suggest that both methods are equally effective, while others claim that traditional floss is superior since it can be contoured around the teeth to reach below the gum line. However, string floss is a dentist favorite for most individuals with no impediment, while the picks work best for those with limited dexterity or who have problems reaching the back of the mouth. Again, when choosing which type to use, it is best to seek the advice of your dentist, since he or she is most familiar with your dental health. Nonetheless, the instructions provided in the rest of this blog will be for the traditional string variety.

Step 3: Measure out Your Floss

The first step is to dispense a sufficient piece of floss, approximately 18 inches in length. This length will ensure that you have enough material to advance to a clean section for each tooth. Doing so minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria.

Step 4: Proper Flossing Position

Wrap the floss around the middle fingers of each hand and leave a few inches of material in between. Using your thumbs and forefingers, carefully guide the floss between your teeth. You can use a gentle back-and-forth motion to overcome resistance if the teeth are tight. Be careful not to thrust or force the floss, as this can injure your gums.

Step 5: Proper Flossing Technique

Once the floss is between your teeth, contour the string around the forward tooth in a ‘C’ shape. With the floss curved around the tooth, gently move the floss up and down, also sliding it below the gum lines, to ensure the proper removal of accumulated plaque and debris. After a couple of passes, reposition the floss around the other tooth. Using the ‘C” shape, repeat the same motion. Once finished with that area, gently remove the floss and adjust it to reveal a new, clean portion. Don’t forget that by using a clean section for each tooth, you can prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure an effective cleaning process. Remember, take your time as you maneuver between your teeth. Aggressive flossing can damage your gums. If, during the process, you have concerns, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for tips or instructions at your next checkup. That’s what they are there for.

Step 6: Consistency

Consistency is one of the main keys to flossing. Try to floss at least once a day, ideally right before bed. If you find flossing uncomfortable or challenging at first, do not let that dissuade you. With practice, you will improve. By incorporating flossing into your daily oral hygiene regimen, you can potentially reduce your risk of gum disease, cavities, and costly dental treatment.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog encouraged you to either start flossing or improve your current technique. Ultimately, flossing is a small investment with a momentous impact. By mastering the skill and incorporating it into your daily oral hygiene routine, you will be taking a significant stride toward maintaining optimal oral health. Remember, a healthy smile begins with good, consistent home care. Furthermore, daily flossing not only reduces your risk of dental disease, but it can also save you from extensive dental treatment in the future. Now, grab your floss so that you can continue to flash those pearly whites!