Learning How to Properly and Effectively Floss Teeth
Brushing teeth is a necessary part of everyday hygiene, but it's only half the battle regarding oral health.
Brushing teeth is a necessary part of everyday hygiene, but it's only half the battle regarding oral health. Flossing is just as important, if not more so. But unfortunately, many people don't know how to do it.
This guide will explain how to properly and effectively floss teeth.
Why is flossing important?
Flossing is necessary to eliminate plaque and germs from the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky coating that accumulates on teeth from food waste, saliva, and bacteria. Plaque bacteria are dangerous because they can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing helps to prevent these problems by removing plaque from teeth. Therefore, it is essential to floss daily to remove plaque and keep the teeth and gums healthy.
Floss or brush first?
No one answer is suitable for everyone when it comes to flossing or brushing first. It ultimately depends on one's comfort and preferences.
It's worth noting that if an individual flosses first, it can remove any food particles or plaque caught between the teeth before brushing. After flossing, the toothpaste can help remove any residual plaque that the floss has loosened. This can be especially beneficial when used with fluoride toothpaste, as it can help prevent cavities.
Ultimately, deciding whether to brush or floss first is up to the individual. Just be sure to do both thoroughly and regularly to maintain good oral health,
How often should you floss?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients floss at least once daily, preferably before bed at night, so that plaque and bacteria do not have a chance to build up overnight.
There are a few different perspectives on how often to floss, and some dentists may recommend more or less frequent flossing depending on the individual's oral health. However, the ADA's recommendation of daily flossing is an excellent place to start, and patients can always increase or decrease the frequency as necessary based on their oral hygiene habits.
Flossing tools
There are many flossing tools available on the market. The most common is dental floss picks, which consist of a small piece of plastic or metal with a short length of floss attached. These picks are convenient and easy to use, but some people find them difficult to control.
Another option is dental floss threaders, which are long, thin plastic pieces with a loop at one end. Threaders can direct the floss into hard-to-reach areas, making them an excellent choice for people with larger gaps between teeth.
Finally, water flossers are becoming increasingly popular as they are gentle on the gums and effective at removing plaque and bacteria.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
