While flossing might not seem that important, doing it correctly can make a significant difference in your dental health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cleaning between your teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Interestingly, research indicates that the timing and technique of flossing are just as important as regularity. Flossing helps reduce bacteria and plaque build-up which can lead to tooth decay and caries. This article explains how to properly floss your teeth and avoid common mistakes. So, let’s get started …
Understanding the importance of flossing
While brushing removes some of the sticky plaque from the surface of the teeth it may not eliminate it in areas that are challenging to reach such as between the teeth and below the gumline. Without removal, plaque hardens into tartar which can only be removed by a dental professional during a professional cleaning. Without removal, tarter can lead to gum inflammation, caries and in severe cases, tooth loss. Flossing cleans those areas between the teeth and below the gumline that your toothbrush can’t reach and is essential to a thorough clean.
Floss before brushing
While traditionally, it’s been the practice to floss after brushing, research shows that flossing first is the way to go. This approach helps dislodge food particles and other debris that get trapped in all the nooks and crannies, which in turn makes brushing more effective and boosts the fluoride concentration in the mouth. Flossing before brushing also helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.
Flossing plays a vital role in helping maintain healthy teeth and gums, which leads us back nicely to the crux of this blog post: “How to properly floss your teeth?”
How to floss your teeth correctly - A step-by-step guide
Here’s a handy guide to help you master the art of flossing, Naturally, if you have any questions you can always ask our hygienist who will be happy to demo for you.
#1 Take sufficient floss: Using a length of floss around 18-24 inches in length, wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a couple of inches to work with.
#2 Hold it tight: Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, keeping it taut. Slide the floss gently between your teeth, taking care not to snap it into your gums, which can irritate.
#3 Curve it around each tooth: When the floss reaches your gumline, gently curve it around the first tooth to form a “C” shape. Glide the floss up and down, keeping it snug against the tooth surface to ensure a thorough clean.
#4 Repeat with a fresh section: Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Be sure to floss along both sides of each tooth, including those hard-to-reach back molars.
#5 Take your time: Take your time when flossing giving yourself a couple of minutes to clean all the areas effectively.
Common flossing mistakes and how to avoid them
Flossing is one of the pillars of good dental hygiene and not flossing correctly or making other mistakes can do more harm than good. Here are some mistakes people often make and how to fix them.
Staying above the gumline – Always take advantage of the flexibility and thin structure of the floss and extend it below the gumline about 2.3 millimeters to remove bacteria that could contribute to gum disease and compromise the health of a tooth.
Stopping if you see blood – Seeing blood is usually an indication you that need to floss more often rather than you need to stop. It could also indicate that you need to brush up on your technique. Inflamed or infected gums will bleed as a typical reaction to the stimulation but over time flossing will shrink the tissue, creating healthier gums.
Skipping the back teeth – Your back molars are just as vulnerable to plaque build-up. Be sure to floss all your teeth, even the back ones!
Using too little floss – Flossing with a short piece of floss can spread bacteria between the teeth. Make sure you have a long enough piece of floss to use a fresh section for each tooth.
Choosing the right interdental tools
Everyone’s mouth is unique and finding the best flossing tool can make the process easier and more effective. Here are some popular interdental cleaning tools:
Traditional floss:
String floss works well for most people and is available in waxed and unwaxed varieties. Waxed floss is slippery to hold between your thumb and fingers but easier to slide between the teeth, especially if you have tight contacts. Waxed floss is the best one to use with a wax threader when you’re trying to floss around braces.
Floss picks:
These are convenient for when you’re on the go and make it easier to reach back teeth. However, while some people find they’re easier to hold they may not reach as deeply below the gumline.
Water flossers:
These devices use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles. Waterpik, in particular, is very helpful for people with sensitive teeth or braces and has earned the prestigious Seal of Acceptance from the ADA. You can read here about the many benefits of Waterpik.
Interdental brushes:
These are small bristle brushes that are available in different sizes to fit between the teeth and are especially helpful if you have larger spaces between your teeth. They’re also gentle on the gums, which is useful if you have sensitive teeth. Here’s a handy guide on selecting and using an interdental brush.
When Is the best time of the day to floss?
We recommend flossing last thing at night. Why? Saliva production slows down when you’re asleep causing bacteria to multiply more rapidly. Flossing last thing at night removes the day’s build-up of plaque and food debris, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth while you’re asleep. Some people prefer to floss in the morning after breakfast, which can still be beneficial. Ultimately, when you floss isn’t that important provided you remain consistent and floss every day.
Benefits of knowing how to properly floss your teeth
Flossing goes beyond retaining a clean mouth – it also supports your overall health. Studies have shown links between poor gum health and systemic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Taking a few minutes each day to correctly floss your teeth can lower your risk of these health complications, protect your teeth and gums and keep your smile healthy and bright.
Make flossing a habit
Flossing may seem a minor step but it’s a powerful tool in maintaining lifelong oral health. To make flossing easier to remember, place your floss next to your toothbrush as a visual cue or set a daily reminder on your phone. With practice, it will soon become an integral part of your oral hygiene routine.
Are you overdue for a dental checkup?
Whether you floss like a pro or you’re just getting started, regular dental check-ups are crucial for a healthy smile. If you’re in Anchorage, the team at Mint Dental will be happy to help with cleanings, exams, and personalized advice to improve your oral hygiene routine. Book an appointment with Mint Dental today to keep your smile in tip-top shape.! Call us on (907) 313-1861 or use our online booking system.
