Proper flossing can help reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, and is an important step toward having an overall healthy mouth. In fact, The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a day in order to achieve optimal oral health.
Daily flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between the teeth — where a toothbrush can’t reach. If you are just learning to floss, you can experience minor discomfort. That usually comes from having the length of floss between your fingers too long and the floss either gets stuck and tears or you cut your gum. It’s important that you don’t stop flossing. If the discomfort doesn’t go away after a week or two of daily flossing, be sure to visit your dental office as soon as possible. Like everything, practice makes perfect.
Flossing Tips for Healthy Gums:
• Floss after brushing your teeth
• Glide the floss in between each tooth using a sawing motion
• Angle the floss in a “c” shape around the tooth and slightly below the gumline
• Repeat on each tooth
• Unravel the floss from your fingers, supplying fresh floss for each tooth
There is debate on whether you should floss before or after brushing. We suggest that which ever you choose the important thing is that you actually do it.
Even if you do floss routinely and assuming you floss correctly, it’s still very important to have regular visits with your dentist. If you’re in need of a professional cleaning or check-up, or if you just want to show off your healthy gums, call to schedule an appointment today.