People often get careless with flossing. Some people even skip flossing completely, because they think brushing is sufficient. If that’s you and you'd like to do a better job flossing, here are some tips to help you improve your technique.
Brushing is great at cleaning the exposed surfaces of your teeth, but flossing is really the only way to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing helps to improve your oral hygiene, and keep your breath fresh. So if you're one of those people who are not flossing regularly, it’s time to get started!
If you already floss, but think you could do a better job, here are a few helpful tips:
Be Gentle
There's no need to floss vigorously, or saw up and down between every tooth with force. In fact, flossing aggressively can damage to your gums. A gentle yet firm motion, moving up and down the sides of each tooth just a couple of times, will be more than enough to prevent plaque buildup.
Consider Flossing Before You Brush
Flossing removes plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth. If some of those particles land on the exposed surfaces of your teeth, they could continue to damage your enamel. By brushing after flossing you brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning. You could even try brushing, then flossing, and finally rinsing with water or mouthwash.
Choose The Right Floss
There's a range of floss styles available to choose from: fine, ribbon, waxed, unwaxed, thick or comfort floss. There's also picks, water flossers, or pre-threaded flossers. Choose the product that you find easiest and most comfortable to use. The easier each flossing experience is, the more likely you are to floss regularly. Your dentist can help you decide which option will work best for your unique smile and lifestyle.