Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, yet many people do not floss correctly, if at all. Some people believe that simply running the floss between their teeth is enough, but this only removes plaque from the surface of the teeth. To truly clean your teeth, you need to use a back-and-forth motion to slide the floss underneath the gumline. This will remove plaque and bacteria from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. In addition, be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid recontaminating your teeth. With proper technique, flossing can help keep your smile healthy and sparkling. Keep reading to find out if you are flossing correctly? 

Flossing Technique 

When it comes to flossing, there’s no need to be aggressive. Gently sliding the floss between your teeth and around the base of each tooth is all that’s necessary. Dr. Eastham wants you to know that there’s no need to use a lot of floss – 18 inches is typically enough. Start by winding most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two to work with. Then, holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up and down between your teeth. Remember to curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. snapping or forcing the floss can damage your gums, so take it easy. Our friends at Shreveport Dentist, the best dentist in Shreveport LA, say with a little gentle care, you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The Type Of Floss You Should Use

There are a few things to consider when choosing nylon floss. First, it is available waxed and unwaxed. Waxed floss is coated with a thin layer of beeswax or similar substance, which makes it slide easily between teeth. Unwaxed floss is not coated and may be more likely to shred or tear. Second, nylon floss comes in a variety of flavors. This can be important if you have sensitive gums or are simply trying to avoid that “flossy” taste. Finally, because nylon floss is composed of many strands, it may sometimes shred or tear between teeth with tight contact points. If this is a concern, you may want to choose a different type of floss. If you want to know what floss is a good one to use contact the best dentist in Grand Junction CO to see what our team has to say.