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 Cleburne area? Get more information at https://www.nolanriverdentalcenter.com.

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


Related Posts

October 15, 2024

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If …

October 1, 2024

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire tooth structure from the crown to the roots. This tooth replacement can enhance your oral function and …

September 12, 2024

3 Tips to Prepare for Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is often the first line of defense for treating teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it stores nerves, blood …

September 1, 2024

What to Expect During Your First Visit to a New Dental Office

Your first visit to a new dental office can be a time of great anxiety, especially since you do not know what to expect. The good news is that going to a …

Amy Case

Recent Posts

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations.

3 weeks ago

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…

1 month ago

3 Tips to Prepare for Root Canal Treatment

There is no need to be apprehensive about a root canal appointment. Many people believe…

2 months ago

What to Expect During Your First Visit to a New Dental Office

Visiting a new dental office is a great way to take charge of your oral…

2 months ago

Wisdom Teeth FAQs and Treatment Options

The most common symptom of a wisdom tooth impaction is pain around the area of…

3 months ago

Dental Restoration Options To Replace a Missing Tooth

Losing a tooth can be disconcerting. Thankfully, there are multiple dental restoration options to replace…

3 months ago