Tips Your Dentist Would Like You To Know About Flossing

The Daily Routine That Can Save Your Teeth

While most people will not forget brushing their teeth daily, oftentimes, flossing is a neglected practice. When flossing is not a daily habit, or worse, not part of oral hygiene at all, it can be a daunting task to accomplish. One must understand that brushing alone is not sufficient to remove the daily debris left on teeth. Your toothbrush cannot reach all your teeth surfaces, especially the back teeth and the spaces between all the teeth.

But if you think of the bad effects incurred if this crucial practice is ignored, the daunting aspect of flossing can be overcomed. People who don’t floss regularly can eventually suffer from bleeding, swollen, red, and sensitive gums. Gingivitis, then periodontitis can set in. Plaque on teeth and under the gum line builds up and becomes so hard that only a professional dental cleaning can remove it. Still, one need not wait for 6 months to have it, but must floss once a day, minimum, to ward off infection.

Tips on Flossing

Here are tips on flossing that should make the task less daunting. Also, knowing that you are doing it properly rewards you with the confidence that you are keeping tooth decay and gum disease at bay, preserving your dentition for longer, and maintaining your oral health. These tips will help you fight back against plaque with easy daily flossing.

  • Keep your routine simple. It’s not complicated, so don’t complicate your flossing. Once-a-day flossing is all you need.
  • Better use traditional floss. “Traditional string floss [versus a floss pick] is the best way to floss your teeth and will result in clean and healthy teeth and gums.
  • Use the “C-shape” method. Wrap floss around middle fingers, and use your forefinger and thumb to have more control close to the tooth. Make a C-shape to hug the side of the tooth, and move floss up and down five times, going slightly below the gums. Then make the C-shape around the adjacent tooth up and down to clean the side surface of that tooth before pulling the floss out and moving to the next. 
  • Remember the best hygiene routine. Brush and rinse for two minutes two times a day with a soft bristle toothbrush (preferably electronic), and floss once daily.
  • Visit your dentist every 3 to 6 months. This is for dental cleanings and regular oral check up depending on your gum health. 
Source

Flossing Made Easy by Lynnwood Dentistry

Learn more about flossing tips from the staff and our dentist, Dr. Song, at Song Dental in Lynnwood. We agree that brushing alone is not enough.