Sure, we all know we should floss every day — but how many of us really do? Data vary, with some studies suggesting about a third of American adults employ daily flossing habits while other research says about a quarter of dental patients admit they don’t always tell the truth about how often they floss.
Whatever the real number may be, there’s no denying that daily flossing is important for your oral health. Flossing removes food particles and sticky plaque film that a toothbrush simply can’t reach, reducing your risks of gum disease and other oral health problems, including tooth loss.
At Park Place Smiles, Minal Patel, DDS, helps patients find the optimal flossing routine to help them play more proactive roles in their oral health. Here, learn some simple tips to take your flossing routine to the next level.
Flossing is deceptively simple, but it can take a little practice. To begin, choose a floss — waxed, unwaxed, bamboo, mint-flavored — it makes no difference, just pick one you’re comfortable using.
Break off about 18 inches, and wrap most of it around one finger on your right or left hand and the remaining end around a finger on your other hand. One hand “feeds” clean sections of thread while the other takes up the used thread.
Now hold the floss taut between your thumbs and the fingers holding the floss. Gently guide the floss between each pair of teeth — never snap or “saw” the floss into position.
Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve the floss against one tooth and gently slide it into the tiny space between the tooth and gum line. Now, hold the floss snugly against the tooth surface and move the floss upward along the tooth, using a slight up-and-down rubbing motion to clean the entire surface.
When one side is clean, curve the floss against the other tooth and repeat the steps. Move to the space between the next pair of teeth and repeat the entire process. When you reach your last molars, be sure to floss the side that’s not butted up against another tooth.
You can floss whenever it’s most convenient for you. For many people, flossing before bed becomes a part of their regular nighttime routine. But if you tend to skip flossing because you’re too tired, then you’re probably better off doing it in the morning or even during your lunch break.
Some people wonder whether it’s better to floss first and then brush, or brush and then floss. The fact is, it really doesn’t make much difference. Again, the key is to set a routine that works for you with the primary goal of making sure you floss at least once each day.
Some people find floss too hard to use, and in fact, it can be a little difficult to master flossing if you have bridges or braces or if you have arthritis in your hands or wrists. Fortunately, other options can get rid of plaque, too.
Interdental brushes are tiny brushes designed to slip in the spaces between your teeth. Rubber picks can also help. Ask Dr. Patel if she recommends these tools and any other techniques you should know about.
Water flossers are another popular option. These devices use a stream of water to dislodge food and plaque between teeth. You can add mouthwash to the water reservoir for an added burst of freshness, and there are even travel water flossers to make it easy to floss while traveling.
The most important thing about flossing is to do it — and that means finding a routine that’s comfortable and workable for your preferences and your routine. Best of all, Dr. Patel and your hygienist can help you improve your flossing routines with suggestions during your next exam.
To schedule your visit, book an appointment online or over the phone with Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, today.
