Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine, but many people don’t know the proper way to floss their teeth. In this blog post, we will discuss the appropriate way to floss your teeth and why it’s so important.
Why Is Flossing Important?
Many people wonder if flossing is really important. It is! Brushing alone can only reach about 60% of the surface of your teeth. That’s why flossing with proper technique is so important. Flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine because it helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque build-up can lead to cavities and gum disease if it’s not removed regularly. Not to mention it can lead to a build-up of bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. Flossing regularly helps prevent bad breath by removing bacteria between your teeth that can cause odor.
How Often Should You Floss?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. It’s best to floss after brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Then, as you eat meals and snacks throughout the day, it’s best practice to floss after to remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck in between your teeth. Not only will your teeth look cleaner, but your breath and oral health will also benefit from this practice.
What Is the Proper Way to Floss?
When it comes to flossing, this is one of the most common questions dentists receive. The proper way to floss your teeth involves using 18-24 inches of dental floss and wrapping most of it around each middle finger. It would be best to use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss tightly against each tooth as you move it up and down in a gentle c-shaped fashion. Make sure you get under the gum line when flossing, as this is where plaque tends to build up the most. When you are done, make sure that you rinse out your mouth with water or mouthwash so that all of the debris is removed from between your teeth. While adding this habit to your daily routine might sound cumbersome, the health benefits you’ll enjoy for years to come will make it all worth it.
In Closing
Flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine as it helps remove plaque build-up between your teeth that can lead to cavities or gum disease if not removed regularly. It’s essential to make sure that you are following the proper technique when flossing so that all of the debris is removed from between your teeth. Make sure that you are flossing at least once a day for optimal oral health! If you are concerned about your oral health, contact us today! The professionals at Warrier Family Dentistry have been serving families in the Charlotte area for years. We’d love to help you get your dental health on track!
