Do I Need to Floss?
For some individuals, flossing is an aspect of their oral hygiene regimen that is frequently overlooked. Many believe that brushing their teeth twice a day is sufficient, and that flossing doesn’t matter. They then dread the question asked by many dentists, ‘how often are you flossing’? If this sounds like you, this article will sum up the importance of flossing and answer any questions you may have.
The short answer to ‘do I really need to floss?’, is yes. Flossing removes and food, debris and plaque that may stick between teeth and the gums. It also helps control any bad smelling breath and polishes the surfaces of your teeth. Although brushing your teeth is great, there are areas that your toothbrush are not able to reach. When you brush your teeth, you are most likely only cleaning the sides and tops of your teeth. If you get into the habit of flossing your teeth every day, you can help extend the longevity of your gums and reduce your chances of getting periodontal gum disease.
What Floss is Best and How Often Should I Floss?
When picking out floss, you may notice that there is a wide variety of options. You may see flosses such as regular or wide, unwaxed and waxed, or even unflavored or flavored. If you are someone that has had bridge work completed, a wide floss would be recommended since the spaces between your teeth are wider. Unwaxed floss will make a noise when your teeth are clean, letting you know you can move on to the next tooth. Waxed floss is best if your gums are tight and will fray less than unwaxed, regular floss. However, you will experience more tearing with unwaxed floss. How Frequently Should I Floss? The recommendation is to floss at least once daily. Spending between two and three minutes flossing with give your teeth and gums a good clean.
How Do I Floss?
There are two different ways of flossing, the loop method, and the spool method. For children and adults that have underdeveloped muscles or coordination, or arthritis, this method is recommended for you. Make a circle using a long piece of floss (about 18- inches). You will tie three knots securely. With the exception of your thumb, place your four fingers into the loop. Your thumb will act as a guide to floss your upper teeth, and your index fingers will guide the bottom. Remember to make a ‘C’ on the sides of the tooth, below the gum line.
The spool method is when you take a long piece of floss (about 18 inches) and wrap the majority of the floss around your pointer fingers. Make sure you don’t wrap it too tight and cut off your circulation! You can unwind and re-wind the floss as it becomes used and frayed. Go in between each tooth and make a ‘C’ below the gum line. Do not push the floss forcefully in-between each tooth. This can cause your gums to bleed.
I’m Searching for the Best Dentist in Warren, MI!
If you have any questions about flossing or dental hygeine, be sure to ask your dentist or hygienist. Here at Smile Brightly in Warren, MI, we are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact us to schedule a dental appointment at our Warren Dental Office. We can be reached at 586-573-7700.