Proper Flossing Technique
Flossing (unfortunately) takes a backseat when it comes to our oral health. We reserve it for those moments a popcorn kernel gets wedged between our teeth, or as a reactive action when it dawns on us that we haven’t flossed for a while.
We console ourselves with a risky story, “As long as I brush my teeth, I’ll be fine,” or, “I can skip out on a few days of flossing here and there; it’s no big deal.”
However, if you’re not flossing at least once every single day, you’re not only dulling the look of your smile, but you’re also putting your teeth and gums at greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Why do I need to floss?
Just because you’re brushing (ideally) twice per day doesn’t mean you’re getting those teeth and gums squeaky clean. When you skip flossing, you’re actually missing out on cleaning more than one-third of your tooth’s surface. This is especially bad news as plaque — an invisible bacterial film and the main cause of gum disease — loves to hide out in those difficult to clean areas, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
And when plaque is left for too long (for only 24 to 36 hours), it hardens into tartar — which can then only be removed by professional teeth cleaning at the dentist.
So, beyond alleviating the discomfort of larger food particles wedged between your teeth, flossing is an essential part of your oral health routine, as it removes plaque before it gets the chance to harden into tartar, and eliminates other harmful bacteria that cause bad breath and/or cavities.
Flossing will not only keep your smile brighter and your breath fresher, but it will help to preserve the health of your teeth and gums!
Build flossing into your oral health habit
The easiest way to create a flossing habit is to add it into your nightly routine — when you should be brushing your teeth anyway.
So, floss first, then brush your teeth and finish off by rinsing with mouthwash.
Proper flossing technique to follow
Since improper technique can damage your teeth and gums, it’s just as important to floss properly as it is to actually floss. So. before you ‘attack’ those gums, let’s review the proper flossing technique.
*When you’re starting to floss, your gums will likely bleed as they’re unused to this motion. While initial bleeding is normal, it should lessen and disappear after three days. If bleeding persists, however, contact your dentist right away.
Step One: Break off about 50cm (20 inches) of floss, and wrap it around your index fingers, holding it taut with your thumbs.
Step Two: Ease the floss between your teeth, wrap it around the base of the tooth in a C-shape, then gently glide it up and down two to three times, taking care not to scrape or bruise your gums. Do this to the front and back, on either side and in-between each tooth.
Step Three: Repeat this motion between each tooth, and don’t forget to floss behind your very back molars. Clean away dislodged food particles from your floss strand as you move to each tooth. Once you’re finished, dispose of your floss strand in the garbage.
The best type of dental floss
The three main types of dental floss are:
Standard floss: Thin, nylon waxed or unwaxed floss that’s great for all types of teeth.
Dental tape: Broad, flat and ribbon-like floss that’s best for larger spaces or gaps between your teeth.
Super floss: Threadier strand that’s great for working with braces or bridges. It features three parts: a stiffened end for flossing beneath appliances, spongy floss to clean around them, and regular floss to remove plaque underneath the gum line.
Try out some different styles to see what kind you like the best, or if in doubt, ask your dentist which type of floss they recommend for your unique teeth!