The Dos and Don’ts of Flossing

Maintaining good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing your teeth. Flossing plays an important role in keeping your pearly whites in great condition.

At Studfield Dental Group, we want our patients to understand not only the importance of flossing but also how to do it correctly.

What is flossing?

Flossing is a dental hygiene routine where you use a thin piece of string to clean between your teeth. By doing this, it helps remove plaque and debris in hard-to-reach areas, promoting healthier gums and preventing cavities.

While many people think that flossing involves simply running a thread between their teeth, here are some dos and don’ts to ensure you get the most out of your flossing routine:

Dos

• Floss daily. Am to floss once a day to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
• Use the right technique. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it snugly around your tooth.
• Be gentle. Don’t overdo it. Use a gentle motion to avoid injuring your gums. Flossing shouldn’t be painful.
• Do use enough floss. This allows you to use a fresh section of floss for each of your teeth and prevents the spreading of bacteria.
• Do consider other flossing alternatives. If traditional floss is challenging for you, consider using floss picks, brushes, or a water flosser. The key is finding a method that you will stick with consistently.

Don’ts

• Don’t snap the floss. When you snap the floss between your teeth, it can cause trauma to your gums.
• Don’t forget your back teeth. It is easy to forget those back molars, so make sure you reach all the way to the back of your mouth when flossing.
• Don’t reuse floss. Once you’ve used a section of floss, move on to a clean one. Reusing floss can reintroduce bacteria into your mouth.
• Don’t rush. Take your time when flossing. When you rush, it can lead to incomplete cleaning and potentially irritate your gums.
• Don’t skip regular dental check-ups. Flossing is a great at-home routine but professional dental cleanings are still required to maintain optimal oral health.

By adding the dos into your routine and avoiding the don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier smile. Remember, a little daily effort can go a long way in preventing dental issues from arising further down the road.

Happy flossing!