One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s an essential part of any oral care routine. In this blog post, we will discuss how to floss your teeth properly. We’ll first explain the importance of flossing and how it benefits oral health. Then, we’ll provide a step-by-step explanation on how to properly floss. Finally, we’ll list additional flossing tips to make things easier!
Step 1:
The first step in proper flossing is to choose the right type of floss for your needs. There are many different types of floss available, so it’s important to find one that you’re comfortable using and that fits your dental needs. Once you’ve selected a type of floss, you can start flossing!
Step 2:
To begin, wind the floss around your middle finger and hold it tight between your thumb and index finger. Next, insert the floss between two of your teeth, using a gentle back-and-forth motion to work the floss in between the teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss into your gums!
Step 3:
Move the floss gently up and down the tooth to remove plaque. Once you reach the gum line, curve the floss around the tooth and use a gentle up-and-down motion to clean the surface of the tooth and along the gum line. Repeat this process for all of your teeth.
Step 4:
When you’re finished flossing, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. This will help remove any plaque or bacteria that you may have missed. Rinsing with mouthwash also has the added benefit of fluoride.
Flossing Tips
While the above information may help you learn how to floss properly, the tips listed below can help make your flossing routine easier:
- Use a water flosser: Water flossers are a great alternative to traditional string floss. Instead of using a string of floss, they use a thin stream of water to clean the teeth. They are easy to use and can help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.
- Use disposable flossers: If you find traditional string floss difficult to use, try using disposable flossers. These are pre-strung with floss and can be a great option for those who have trouble using traditional floss.
- Use flossing tools: If you have braces or other dental appliances, there are special flossing tools that can help you reach all of your teeth. For example, a floss threader can help thread floss under braces. These tools are available at most drugstores and pharmacies.
- Floss before bedtime: One of the best times to floss is before bedtime. This helps remove any plaque or bacteria that has built up throughout the day. It’s also a good time to floss because you’re not rushed and you can take your time to be thorough.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to floss properly! Remember, flossing is an important part of any oral care routine. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your dentist or dental hygienist. They will be happy to help you! Thanks for reading!
Dr. Gerald Sisko graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1987. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Akron Dental Society where he is currently holding a council position. He has had the honor and distinction of being awarded “TOP DENTIST” in Akron and Cleveland as well as Northeast Ohio for the last several consecutive years.
