Flossing is the secret to an even healthier pearly white and radiant smile. Heaven forbid that you have remnants of the salad you just had earlier—not too obvious but noticeable anyway. The professionals who provide dental implants in Caldwell, ID, tell us that the surface of our teeth can be cleaned with a toothbrush, but flossing is getting at what’s in between. Here’s the methodical way to floss:.
Guide to Flossing
- Use the Right Floss – This refers to choosing floss based on your specific needs. There are flavored, dental tape, waxed, and unwaxed options available. Choose what works best for you.
- Break Off the Right Amount – This involves roughly 18 inches of floss. It allows you to use a fresh section of floss for every tooth and has enough length that you can wrap the floss around your fingers.
- Hold the Floss Correctly – Wrap the majority of the floss around each middle finger, leaving one to two inches in between, to hold it correctly. With your thumbs and index fingers, hold the floss tight. The control it offers will let you clean your teeth effectively.
- Be Gentle – Make sure you gently slide the floss between your teeth. Avoid using force when bending it into a C shape around each tooth and moving it up and down. Being gentle is good enough for cleaning.
- Move Methodically – From the back of your mouth, work your way toward the front. Make sure you use a new section of the floss for every tooth.
- Cover All Teeth – Those who provide dental fillings in Caldwell, ID, strongly advise that you make sure to floss between every tooth, including the molars in the back. This will help you avoid dental problems.
- Rinse Thoroughly – It’s important to thoroughly rinse your mouth after flossing to get rid of any leftover food particles, bacteria, and loose plaque. Rinsing prevents the reattachment of germs to your teeth and gums.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use the same section of floss for all teeth. This can spread the germs you intend to get rid of. Move to a fresh part of the floss once you’re done with a tooth.
- Don’t floss too aggressively. It can lead to recession, inflammation, and bleeding in your gums. Healthy teeth and gums can be promoted even by gentle flossing.
- Don’t forget to floss both sides of the tooth. Neglecting one side can leave harmful debris behind and result in bad breath or cavities.
- Don’t skip days. This allows plaque to build up and harden on your teeth, which increases the risk of cavities. Flossing should be done every day.
A Smile for All Ages
It takes proper flossing to keep your oral health at its best. Those who apply dental implants in Caldwell, ID, will advise us to effectively remove plaque and avoid dental issues by using the right floss, the right technique, and avoiding common mistakes. Moreover, we must floss daily without fail. For a healthier set of teeth and a happier smile, visit our clinic at Caldwell Dentistry Co. or call us at 208-454-9217.