It’s no secret that flossing is important for oral health. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing your teeth every day. But what is the best way to floss? And how can you make it easier?  In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to floss your teeth like a pro! Keep reading to find out!

Why Floss?

Flossing is important because it helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, saliva, and bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning at the dentist office. Both plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. Therefore, by removing plaque and bacteria, you are preventing the accumulation of tartar and helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

The Best Way to Floss (Aka: The Right Way)

Now that we know why flossing is important, let’s talk about how to do it properly. After all, the best way to floss is the right way.

view of woman flossing from the side

Additional Tips:

water flosser

– If you have trouble using traditional floss, there are many other options available such as floss picks, water flossers, and interdental brushes. You can also use a floss threader to help you get the floss under your braces or dental bridges.

– If your gums bleed when you floss, do not worry! This is normal, especially if you have not been flossing regularly. Bleeding should stop after a few days of regular flossing. However if they continue bleeding, speak with your dentist.

– Be sure to floss before brushing your teeth, not after. This will help remove plaque and bacteria so that your toothbrush can more effectively clean your teeth. Flossing before you brush also allows the fluoride to penetrate in between your teeth.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, flossing is an important part of oral care. It helps remove plaque and bacteria, which can cause cavities and gum disease. Flossing also helps to keep your breath fresh. The best way to floss is with 18 inches of floss, wrapped around your middle fingers. Use a back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between your teeth, being careful not to snap it into your gums. Floss all of your teeth, including the back ones. Finish by rinsing with water or mouthwash. If you have trouble flossing, there are many other options available such as floss picks and water flossers. Be sure to floss before brushing your teeth, not after. Thanks for reading! We hope this has helped you to understand the importance of flossing and how to do it properly.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office. We are happy to help! Thank you for choosing us as your dental care provider