How to Floss Your Teeth Effectively
Flossing Instructions
- Preparation: Break off 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. Wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches for your teeth.
- Positioning: Hold the floss taut with your thumbs and index fingers.
- Technique: Place the floss between two teeth and gently glide it up and down against both sides. Avoid snapping it into your gums.
- Curving: When reaching your gums, curve the floss into a C shape around the base of the tooth to clean between the gums and the tooth.
- Repeat: Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
Flossing with Braces
Flossing with braces takes more time and requires waxed floss to prevent tearing.
- Preparation: Break off 18 to 24 inches of waxed floss and stand in front of a mirror.
- Threading: Thread the floss between your teeth and the main wire, then wrap the ends around your index fingers.
- Cleaning: Gently press the floss between your teeth and move it up and down along the sides of both teeth.
- Upside-Down U: For upper teeth, make an upside-down U by gliding the floss up one side and down the other.
- Removal: Carefully unthread the floss from behind the wire and move to the next teeth.
Alternative Tools: Use a Waterpik or floss threader to save time and make flossing with braces easier.
When to Floss
- Order: Floss before brushing to remove dislodged food and plaque, ensuring they are brushed away.
- Frequency: Floss at least once per day and brush twice daily, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
Types of Dental Floss
- Dental Tape: Broad and flat, ideal for braces, gaps, or large spaces between teeth.
- Standard Floss: Thin nylon strand, available flavored or unflavored, waxed or unwaxed. Waxed floss is helpful for tightly spaced teeth.
- Super Flosses: Designed for braces, bridges, and gaps, featuring a stiffened end, spongy floss, and regular floss.
Flossing Tools
- Electric Flossers/Water Flossers: Use water and pressure to clean between teeth, ideal for those with braces.
- Disposable Floss Picks: Easy to maneuver and great for reaching back teeth.
Takeaway
Good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing. Proper flossing removes bacteria, plaque, and food from between teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Along with daily flossing and brushing, schedule regular dental cleanings at least twice a year.