How To Floss Your Teeth

Dental care usually begins with proper oral hygiene. An effective way to do so would be to undertake regularly brushing, two times in a day. This would not only help you remove germs from the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, but also help you avoid the problem of bad breath. However, despite regular brushing, many people suffer from the problem of periodontal diseases. This is mainly because of the reason that brushing regularly is not enough to maintain dental hygiene. In case you are wondering what is the other technique other than brushing, the answer is flossing.

The main function of flossing is to remove the food particles caught between teeth, keeping your teeth not only healthy, but also whiter and brighter. At the time of eating, food particles get stuck into the area between the teeth and the gums, making them difficult to remove while brushing. With time, these food particles and the resultant bacteria build up, causing plaque and, in some cases, even tooth decay. Proper flossing removes the food particles and helps you enjoy a brighter smile, coupled with healthier teeth.

Type OF Floss

Choosing the correct floss goes a long way in determining the success of the actual act of flossing your teeth. Make sure you choose floss that comfortably fits in the gap between your teeth and gums. There are many kinds of floss available in the market. Right from waxed or un-waxed floss to flavored ones, the options are varied. For those who have their teeth very close together, waxed or thin floss would be the best bet, as it would easily slide between the gaps.

Dental tape works fine for people who have wide spaces between their teeth. People with extensive bridge work or partial dentures can undertake the flossing process by using floss holders and threaders. They would make flossing easier. For children, flavored flosses are the best bet. They are a great incentive for kids and make the process of flossing a cinch. Whichever type of floss you choose, remember, regular brushing, coupled with flossing, serves as the foundation for home dental care strategy.

Technique For Flossing Your Teeth

Take about 18 inches of floss and tie its ends to the middle fingers of both your hands.
Grasp it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, so that you have a couple inches of floss taut between your hands.
Now, guide the floss between the teeth and the space between the teeth and the gums. However, take care not to snap the floss into the gums directly.
As soon as the floss reaches the gum line, curve it in the shape of 'C' against the tooth. Slide it in the area between the gum and the tooth.
Holding the floss tightly against the tooth, gently rub the side of the tooth with 8 to 10 vertical strokes to dislodge food and plaque. Remember, the movement should be such that it shifts the floss away from the gum, using up and down motions.
Repeat the process for the rest of the teeth.
Once flossing is done, rinse your mouth with cool, fresh water. This would wash away all the remaining dislodged debris and also would let you know whether your gums are bleeding or not.

Tips

Flossing every day at least one time is beneficial. The best time to do so would be before going to bed at night. Before sleeping, it is important to take proper care of your teeth.
There is no specific rule for flossing your teeth. You can either floss before or after brushing.
At the time of flossing, do not forget to floss the back side of your last tooth as well. as it is the most ignored tooth.

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