Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Floss
Dental floss comes in different types, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, and different sizes. Selecting the right type of floss for your needs is crucial. Waxed floss is suitable for people with tight teeth gaps as it glides smoothly through the tight spaces between the teeth. Flavored floss helps freshen breath and provides a pleasant experience while cleaning the teeth. Choose a floss that feels comfortable and does not break easily.
Step 2: Cut The Right Length
Cut about 18 inches of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a gap of about two inches between your fingers to slide the floss between your teeth.
Step 3: Use the correct Technique
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, then slide the floss gently up and down between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss up and down, as this can damage the gums. Make sure to curve the floss around the base of each tooth and gently rub it up and down against the tooth and under the gumline. Rinse with water or mouthwash afterward.
Step 4: Move to a New Section of the Floss for Each Tooth
For effective cleaning, move to a new section of floss for each tooth. In other words, use fresh floss to avoid reinserting bacteria back into your mouth. Remember to floss both sides of all of your teeth, including your rear molars.
Step 5: Be Thorough but Gentle
Flossing requires a gentle touch. The goal is to remove the plaque buildup from the teeth without damaging the gum tissue. Make sure to be thorough but gentle. Vigorous flossing can cause damage to the gums and tooth enamel.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Back Teeth
Don’t forget to floss your back teeth. These teeth are often left unnoticed, but they can be a hotbed of bacteria and food debris. Use a back-and-forth sawing motion to clean these areas effectively. Do the same for the bottom teeth.
Step 7: Floss Regularly
To maintain good oral health, it is recommended to floss at least once a day. Flossing daily removes the bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Flossing should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Conclusion
Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. However, it’s not just about quickly sliding the floss between your teeth. It requires attention to detail and using the right technique. When using dental floss, it is important to be gentle, take your time, and be thorough. With the proper use of dental floss, you can maintain good oral health and enjoy a beautiful, healthy, and confident smile.