Dental Flossing TeethWhen you think of flossing your teeth, do you find yourself resisting? Do you believe it is too difficult and time-consuming? Do you even suspect that the whole process is more trouble than it’s worth and does not really accomplish anything? Here at Seven Lakes Dental in Smokey Point we know that you couldn’t be more wrong. Flossing is an easy, quick and effective way to remove plaque and even freshen your breath. If you want to keep your teeth for the rest of your life, any good dentist would encourage you to begin flossing today.

TYPES OF DENTAL FLOSS

Floss comes in several variations:

  • Wide floss or dental tape. This is especially useful if your teeth are widely spaced or if you have bridgework.
  • Waxed floss has a slipperier surface and can be more easily maneuvered between teeth that are close together.
  • Unwaxed floss has the advantage of squeaking against teeth that are clean, giving you valuable feedback about your progress.
  • Bonded unwaxed floss is less likely to fray than the unbonded type but still comes apart more frequently than waxed.
  • Any of these can be purchased in flavored versions, a feature that can help to freshen the mouth and make the flossing experience more pleasant.
  • You can also get a flosser which is a prefabricated plastic device that has a handle and a short length of floss stretched over it. If you have manual dexterity issues or a very small mouth that prevents you from flossing your back teeth, this may be an ideal solution for you.

If you are not sure what type of floss would be most effective for you, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. You can also experiment with the various styles to see which one you like the best.

FLOSSING FOR BEGINNERS

The technique for flossing is straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

  • Break or cut about 18 inches of floss. Roll most of it around one of your middle fingers.
  • Around your other middle finger, wind the remainder of the floss.
  • Leave about an inch of space between your two hands, holding the floss tightly. Use a gentle sawing motion to insert the floss between your teeth.
  • Once the floss reaches your gumline, curl it to form a C shape that fits around your tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.
  • Moving the floss away from your gumline, gently scrape the side of your tooth.
  • Repeat this technique between all of your teeth.

Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your breath fresh and your teeth clean and plaque-free. While doing it daily is ideal, any dental professional will tell you that even two or three times a week is extremely beneficial. If you are like so many multi-taskers who simply has too much on your plate to remember to floss before you leave the house in the morning or in the evening just before you go to bed, buy a few extra packs of floss and put them in places you visit during the day. Keep one in your desk at work, another in your car and perhaps a third in your gym bag. When you have a spare moment, just grab one and find a private place to take care of your oral health. You don’t even need a mirror.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health or about flossing specifically, our friendly staff at Seven Lakes Dental will be happy to help. Call us today at (360) 653-5577. We are committed to helping you make your teeth beautiful and healthy.