Fact is that many people don’t take much care with flossing. Often people skip it completely, believing that brushing is sufficient. If want to improve your flossing technique and take your oral hygiene routine to the next level, here are few tips from our Surrey dentist to help you out.
When it comes to cleaning the surface of your teeth your toothbrush does a great job, but flossing really is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
To really improve your oral hygiene, and help to keep your breath fresh, it's time to start flossing daily!
So whether you're already flossing regularly and want to do a better job, or are new to flossing, here are a few tips to help you out:
Be Gentle
You don't need to vigorously floss between every tooth, sawing up and down over and over with force! In fact, this kind of heavy-handed flossing could cause damage to your gums. All you need is a gentle yet firm motion, moving up and down the sides of each tooth just a couple of times, in order to prevent plaque buildup.
Consider Flossing First
Plaque and other bacteria is removed from between your teeth by flossing. If some of those particles land on the exposed surfaces of your teeth, they could continue to damage your enamel. By flossing before you brush you are able to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning. To really go the extra mile and improve your oral hygiene you can brush, then floss, and finally rinse with mouthwash or water.
Choose The Right Floss for You
A variety of floss styles are available to choose from: comfort floss, waxed, unwaxed, thick, fine, or ribbon. Water flossers, or pre-threaded flossers are also available. Be sure to choose the product that works best for your unique smile, and that you find easiest and most comfortable to use. The more positive your flossing experience is, the more likely you are to floss regularly. It's a good idea to ask your dentist to help you choose an option that will work best for your lifestyle and your smile.