Flossing your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene, and is every bit as important as brushing, if not more so. Brushing your teeth will remove the majority of food particles, yet it is only by flossing you can remove food particles that are trapped between the teeth, and like anything else, there is a right and wrong way to floss. Not to mention that it is equally as important to drop by the dentist regularly; consider general dentistry in niles if you need a recommendation.
Choosing the Right Floss
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There are several types of dental floss – waxed, unwaxed, flavoured and unflavoured – and by trial and error, you should be able to find one that suits you. Nylon floss comprises of lots of thin strands, making it very strong, while monofilament floss is a single thread and can therefore provide better cleaning. Should you be in urgent need of an emergency dentist North Shore can provide, a quick search online will lead you to a few reputable ones. These dentists would stock quality floss and you can stock up. It is true that single filament floss is more expensive, but it lasts a lot longer and is therefore, more economical than buying nylon floss.
Floss Directly After Brushing
This is the ideal time to floss, as the brushing will have partially removed the majority of trapped food and the flossing will complete the job. Once you have got into a routine, flossing will soon become second nature, and don’t forget to buy several packs, so that you can keep one with you whenever you are out. For more detailed information on how to effectively floss your teeth, there are related articles you can find online.
The Ideal Length
The ideal floss length is 18 inches, with both ends wrapped around your middle fingers, which will allow carrying out the back and forth movements that will send the floss between the teeth. You might prefer a longer length, say 24 inches, but whatever else, there should be at least 12 inches of exposed floss if you are to effectively clean between the teeth. With the floss secure on the middle fingers, you can use your thumbs and index fingers to manipulate the strand.
Be Methodical
It doesn’t matter where you begin to floss, as long as you eventually cover all the teeth, and each person will have their own preference in how this is done. Some people floss the upper teeth first, while others start with the lower set, and with a methodical approach, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash right after flossing, as this help to remove minute particles that survived the flossing.
C-Shaped Line
If you keep the floss in a C shape as you work it through the teeth, this will ensure that adequate pressure is applied. Ideally, you want the strand of floss to rub against both teeth and with a variation of flossing motion, keeping pressure on the sides of the teeth will result in a better clean.
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Correct brushing and flossing are the foundations of good oral hygiene, so make sure that you include flossing in your daily routine, and your teeth and gums will always be in tip top shape.
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