Often people take little care when flossing, some even skip it completely thinking that brushing is sufficient. If that sounds like you and you'd like to do a better job flossing, here are few tips to help you.
Brushing does a great job of cleaning the exposed surfaces of your teeth, but flossing really is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
If you’re one of those people who aren't flossing regularly, now's the time to start! Flossing will help improve your oral hygiene, and help to keep your breath fresh.
On the other hand, if you already floss daily, but want to do a better job at it, here are a few tips from our Surrey dentist:
Floss Gently
There is absolutely no need to floss vigorously between each tooth! Sawing up and down, over and over, with force can actually cause damage to your gums. A firm but gentle motion, moving up and down the sides of each tooth just a couple of times, should be more than enough to prevent plaque from building up.
Floss Before You Brush
Flossing removes plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth. If some of those particles land on the exposed surfaces of your teeth, they may continue to damage your enamel. If you floss before you brush it will allow you to brush away those loose particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning. You could even try brushing, then flossing, and finally rinsing with mouthwash or water.
Choose The Right Floss for You
There is a variety of floss styles to choose from: waxed, unwaxed, thick, fine, ribbon, or comfort floss. There are also picks, water flossers, or pre-threaded flossers. Take your time and choose whatever product works best for your unique smile. The easier and more pleasant the experience is, the more likely you are to floss regularly. Your dentist can help you choose an option that works best for your smile and lifestyle.