Did you know that flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing your teeth? In fact, regular flossing can help prevent cavities, remove food stuck between the teeth, and reduce plaque.
A healthy mouth leads to a healthy and beautiful smile and prevention is always the best cure. Just like brushing your teeth the right way is essential for oral health, so is flossing properly.
Read on to learn how to floss your teeth the right way and how to choose the best type of floss for best results.
Get the Right Floss Type for Your Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, get floss specifically labeled for sensitive teeth. If your teeth are very close together, you need thinner floss to be able to reach the space between two teeth. If you have normal teeth, any floss will do the job.
One of the best teeth flossing tips is to get floss that contains fluoride for extra protection and cavity prevention.
Set the Piece of Floss Properly
The number one rule of any teeth flossing guide is setting the piece of floss properly between your fingers. You’ll need a piece of floss between 18-24 inches long. Wrap the two ends of the floss around your index fingers while holding the floss with your thumbs. Leave an inch free for flossing.
If you can’t get used to holding the floss with your fingers, you can always get dental picks to clean the teeth even more thoroughly.
Floss First, Brush Second
For most people, teeth flossing comes after brushing. This is wrong because if you floss after you’ve brushed your teeth, everything the floss removes will stay in your mouth. So floss first, brush the teeth after, and finish off with mouthwash to remove any last food particles.
Repeat the Process With Each Tooth
Flossing teeth is only effective if you floss each tooth at a time. Start with the back teeth and work your way to the front. The back teeth are usually a bit harder to clean and more food gets stuck.
If needed, repeat the process 2-3 times until you’re sure all the food particles are out. Slide the floss to the sides of the tooth and avoid the gum as much as possible to prevent bleeding and injury. Get a new piece of floss as needed.
Ask For Flossing Advice
If you’re not sure how to floss with braces or have recently had work done on your teeth, ask your dentist for tips. They know your oral cavity structure best and will teach you the right flossing technique.
If you have a new dentist, you can ask for personalized teeth flossing advice after a few visits. For instance, your dentist can recommend the best floss for your teeth to help prevent bleeding and injury of the gums.
Flossing Your Teeth Can Be Fun and Easy With These Simple Tips
Flossing your teeth is essential for your oral health and it only takes a couple of minutes of your day. These tips will help you learn how to floss the right way to get your teeth sparkling clean all the way.
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