Caring for your teeth and gums is an essential task that needs to be done daily. Flossing your teeth each day removes plaque between your teeth and can help keep gum disease and cavities at bay. Many people fail to realize how important this action is and how it could cause oral health issues if it is not conducted properly. If you need flossing tips or an evaluation of your teeth and gums to determine whether your flossing is up to par, a trip to Lovett Dental Jersey Village can help.
5 Flossing Tips
Read the following flossing tips to get started on proper oral hygiene.
1. Set Aside Time for Flossing
It is best to have regular times during the day that you dedicate to flossing your teeth. This ensures that you get the job done completely rather than rushing through the procedure because of time restraints. Many people floss their teeth right before they brush them. This is best done after a meal is eaten to remove any leftover pieces of food from around and between the teeth. Eating a meal then becomes a reminder that it is time to floss when it is completed.
2. String Floss Isn’t the Only Option
Most people think of traditional string floss when they are presented with the option of a tool to get food out from between their teeth. While string floss certainly does the job, there are other options for those who do not care for this medium.
Electronic tools that shoot water between the teeth are an alternate way to remove bacteria and food efficiently. Handheld flossing picks with a small piece of string floss included in the units are an option to keep in mind.
3. Try Not to Use Too Much Force
Some people use too much force when using floss. If you push the floss toward your gums and use a sawing motion, it is likely pain and discomfort will soon follow. It is best to use a gentle motion when flossing. Try not to move your hands too far apart upon the floss, as this usually causes excessive force when moving the string back and forth. Instead, allow for a few inches of string to be used for the flossing technique. You may need to adjust the angle to find a comfortable position that works well for debris removal.
4. Take Your Time when Flossing
Do not rush through the flossing process. You need to spend equal time between each of your teeth to remove debris effectively. Allow for several motions of the floss to be moved back and forth between each tooth. After flossing, brush your teeth and reassess your smile to see if you had missed anything that needs to be removed. Repeat the process if necessary.
5. Pay Attention to Your Gums
Flossing removes foreign items from between the teeth, but the gums themselves need to be addressed as well. When you floss, make sure to bend the string into a C shape around a tooth and move it up and down to remove debris from the sides where a toothbrush cannot reach. Slide the floss up or down toward the gums and rub the gums with the string to remove any debris from this area. You may experience some bleeding of the gums the first few times you floss. If bleeding does not cease after a few weeks, make an appointment with a dentist for an evaluation.
Contact Lovett Dental Jersey Village Today for Flossing Tips
If you need more flossing tips or simply wish to have an oral care appointment with a dentist for an assessment, Lovett Dental Jersey Village can help. Reach out to our office today at 281-890-5002 to find out more.
