Flossing is an essential part in the process of taking complete care of your mouth. Harbor Point Dental Group dentist Dr. Frank Cimato reminds us the importance of using the proper technique when flossing and its impact.
Flossing dates back to 1815 when a New Orleans dentist began advising patients to use thin silk thread to clean between their teeth.
The toothbrush cannot easily reach every spot around your teeth. That’s where the flossing procedure removes plaque and food particles under the gum line and between your teeth. Maintain a daily flossing routine to prevent plaque build-up that will cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Take Complete Care of Your Mouth
Harbor Point Dental Group recommends the best tips for flossing include starting with about 18 inches of floss and wind most of the floss around each middle finger. Leave about an inch or two of the floss available for the important oral care process.
The second step is to use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss and slide it up and down between your teeth. Make sure you gently curve the floss to go around the base of each tooth and beneath the gumline.
Snapping or forcing the floss may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue. Clean sections of floss must be used as you go from tooth to tooth. After finished with one tooth use the back-and-forth motion to move away from that tooth and go to the next.
Steps: Care for your mouth, don’t forget to floss
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, especially first thing in the morning and before bedtime.
- Floss every day – usually at bedtime.
- Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.
- Visit your dentist every six months for an oral exam and professional cleaning.
