March 22, 2020
Chances are you’ve heard it time and time again — you should be flossing as part of your dental routine. And we definitely don’t disagree! It’s an important part of your preventative routine to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. To help make your flossing as effective as possible, we’ve put together this quick guide of proper flossing technique.
The Set-Up
How much floss thread would you guess that you need to properly floss your teeth? Many people are surprised by the recommended amount. You should be using about 18 inches of floss. This is so that each time you move from tooth to tooth, you’re flossing with a clean section and not just transferring the bacteria or debris to the next place.
When holding your floss, wind it between your middle fingers. You should wrap most of the floss between these fingers so that there’s only about an inch ready to use at a time. That section should be taut, not loose. When you’ve used that part of the floss, you can wrap it around your middle finger so the dirty part is away and there’s a new clean section.
The Movement
When you’re all set up with the right amount of floss and it’s properly wrapped around your fingers, put it gently between your teeth. You don’t want to accidentally damage your gums by using too much force! While you should get whatever is stuck in the crack between your teeth, you should also curve the floss in a C-shape and slide it around the top of each tooth so you can get underneath the gumline. This is where a lot of bacteria likes to hide!
Want even more flossing tips? Or maybe you have your flossing down now and want to perfect your brushing technique. The Dental Wellness Phoenixville team has you covered! Give us a call or send us a message and we’d be happy to answer any questions you might have. We’re here to help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile, so don’t be shy if you need a little assistance getting there. If it has been more than 6 months since your last visit, call to schedule an appointment.
