Don’t Forget to Floss: Here’s How

Even if you’re already using dental floss twice daily as recommended by dentists, you might not be doing enough to fight off tooth decay and gum disease. Although brushing is an integral part of your oral hygiene regimen, flossing regularly is just as important. Brushing can only remove the plaque-forming particles and the bacteria feeding on them that are easiest to reach.

These mostly harmless bacteria release digestive acids when they feed on your plaque. The corrosive fluids break down your tooth enamel as they eat the plaque. If plaque is not removed, this process will eventually cause holes in your tooth enamel. You’ll feel sensitive to temperature and sweetness.

Cavities create openings that let bacteria inside your tooth. This can cause painful infections or even abscesses. The most vulnerable spots are between teeth and just below the gum line where it is difficult to brush effectively.

Bella Smiles is a respected dental practice operating at three different locations across Long Island. We want to remind you how important flossing is for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Flossing removes the plaque that your toothbrush can’t easily reach in places such as between your teeth and below the gum line. However, not only should you be flossing regularly but you need to be sure you’re doing it effectively. After all, why floss if you aren’t getting the full benefit?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is an old saying you may have heard. Flossing is that ounce of prevention where tooth decay is concerned. Flossing daily can help you to avoid uncomfortable, time-consuming and potentially expensive dental procedures. These procedures become necessary when tooth decay is allowed to flourish unchecked between teeth.

How to Floss Correctly

1. Wrap a length of floss about eighteen inches long around your middle fingers, with more on one side than the other. You can wind up the floss and access a fresh length as you go. Use your thumbs and forefingers to control the floss and move it.
2. Start by carefully sliding the floss between two teeth, using a soft back-and-forth motion like you’re sawing very lightly. This helps the floss slip down without snapping against your gums. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently rub up and down to clean the hidden surfaces. Then curve it the other way to clean the neighboring tooth before moving to the next space.
3. Wrap the floss around the side of one tooth in a “U” shape and then proceed to gently slide up and down your tooth. Repeat this several times, making sure to go slightly underneath the gum-line. Then repeat on the opposite side of the tooth before doing the same to each tooth.
4. Don’t be too worried if you notice that your gums are bleeding as you floss. If you haven’t been flossing regularly, you can expect a little bleeding when you do. This bleeding is caused by the floss disturbing the inflammation brought on by the bacteria. If you floss daily, you should see an improvement in the health of your gums in one to two weeks.

Floss Picks Are Not The Best Way To Floss

Many people prefer to use floss picks that have become widely available at most drug stores. These “Y” shaped pieces of plastic with floss strung between the “arms” are designed to make flossing easier for consumers by having the floss ready to use for you.

However, most dentists would prefer their patients use a length of “free” floss and their hands. Floss picks aren’t able to wrap around a tooth in the “U” shape needed to remove floss around the base of the tooth. Therefore, you won’t truly be able to floss properly with them. However, it’s still better than not flossing at all.

Schedule A Dental Exam With Your Dentist

It is generally accepted that flossing after you brush your teeth is ideal as there will already be less plaque and food particles to get stuck on the floss. If you have any additional questions about brushing, flossing or your oral health, schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Long Island, NY offices in Nesconset, Riverhead or Roslyn today.