Preventive Dentistry Tips: How to Floss Properly

Flossing is a big part of preventive dentistry. It removes plaques, makes teeth less likely to decay and also reduces the risk of gum disease. You need to clean between your teeth every day, according to the American Dental Association. This can be difficult if you do not know what to do. Follow some tips to make it easier to floss daily.

Have the right tools for preventive dentistry

People often reach for whatever they can find when they get something stuck between their teeth. Unusual items like forks, safety pins and fingernails are common replacements for dental floss. These are not nearly as effective.

Unconventional items can also harm the teeth and gums, so people need to have floss on hand at all times. This is essential for anyone interested in preventive dentistry.

What tools do people need?

String floss is a common choice for people. This option quickly removes food particles that get lodged between the teeth and cause bacteria and plaque buildup.

Those who cannot properly use dental floss can switch to a water flosser. Water flossers can get around braces, bridges and other dental work.

How to floss properly

Those who are interested in taking care of their teeth must floss properly to get the optimal results. Many people use improper techniques and, consequently, end up leaving food particles and bacteria behind.

Use the right amount of floss

People need to cut a string of at least 18 inches when using string floss. This is long enough to floss between each tooth properly.

Secure the floss

Proper form is also important. People must secure the floss by looping it around both middle fingers. Use the thumbs to pinch the floss to keep it in place.

Take short and gentle strokes

Put the dental floss between two teeth. Hug one of the teeth with the floss, forming a C-shape around it. Slide the floss back and forth and up and down. Then, hug the other tooth and repeat the process.

When it is time to move onto the next two teeth, use a fresh section of floss. Otherwise, it is possible to deposit bacteria in between the teeth. Depositing bacteria between the teeth can lead to cavities.

After flossing

People often think they are through cleaning their teeth when they finish flossing. Those who are serious about making it a part of their daily routine need to also have mouthwash with them when they floss.

Flossing frees bacteria from between the teeth, and some of these can end up in the mouth. Rinse with mouthwash to eliminate the remaining bacteria. Then, the mouth will be fresh and clean.

Develop healthy dental habits

Preventive dentistry techniques such as daily flossing will help to keep your teeth healthy between dental checkups. Floss every day and follow the proper techniques. That way, you will reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease and have a healthier smile as well.

Are you considering preventive dentistry in the Jenkintown area? Get more information at https://www.mvpfamilydental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Implant Dentistry And The Importance Of Healthy Gums

Implant dentistry offers durable and natural-looking solutions for tooth loss. Read on to learn more about dental implant restorations. These titanium-based prosthetic tooth roots are implanted directly into the jawbone to offer a solid link to a dental prosthesis, such as crowns or a dental bridge. Dental implants can only be placed successfully if the…

Routine Dental Procedures Performed By A Family Dentist

Wondering what a family dentist has to offer? Read on to learn more. Sometimes the whole family needs to undergo routine dental procedures. Visiting the family dentist’s office at least two times each year may lower the risk of severe dental health issues including gum disease and tooth decay. The dental professional can provide preventive,…

Do All-on-4® Implants Look Natural?

The All-on-4® method utilizes only four dental implants to anchor a complete prosthetic arch. It is used to restore the smile of patients who have lost their natural teeth. One of the concerns that patients often have is about the appearance of their dental restoration. When done properly, All-on-4® implant restoration looks natural and will…

Implant Dentistry Options To Replace A Single Missing Tooth

Patients missing one or more teeth may benefit from implant dentistry, which offers long-term replacement options. Continue reading to learn about replacing a single lost tooth with an implant. Implants are used to hold single crowns, bridges, or a whole set of teeth in place. Their application as fixed restorations, whether for single or multiple…

American Dental Association
Pennsylvania Dental Association
Montgomery Bucks Dental Society
University of Pennslyvania
Spear Study Club
AACA American Academy of Clear Aligners