A Mount Ephraim Dentist Shares Tips on Flossing Teeth

by | Jun 15, 2012 | General

Three great ways to avoid gum disease are to brush your teeth two times daily, visit your dentist office as scheduled and to floss your teeth each day. The routine activity of flossing helps to remove plaque from areas where most toothbrushes simply cannot reach. Food particles become trapped in the tiny spaces where your teeth meet your gums. It’s no surprise that gum disease begins right in that spot. By following the simple flossing technique outlined below, you can safeguard your smile against unsightly tooth damage.

Start with around seventeen inches of floss for your first time. You may need a shorter or longer piece depending on your finger and mouth size. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers of each of your hands. Grab the floss with your thumbs and index fingers leaving about a two inch length in between. You will be using your thumbs to direct the motions as you floss between your teeth.

By keeping the floss taut between your fingers ensures better control. Be prepared to start way in the back of your mouth and work your way around to the other side. You may even find that a part of your hand needs to go into your mouth to reach the teeth that are nestled way in the back of your mouth.

Be gentle as you floss the contours of each side of your tooth and gum line. Most dentists in Mt. Ephraim suggests that it is helpful to use a zig zag motion as you are cleaning around the sides of each tooth to remove trapped food with an up and down sliding motion. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth by moving the floss in your fingers to the next clean spot.

The method outlined works for all kinds of dental floss. A visit to the dental isle at any store will reveal an array of options available for you. There is gliding floss, spongy floss, dental tape, electric flosser or mini hand held flossers. All floss and flossers works the same to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

A dentist notes that it is critical to remember to gently floss the back side of the very last tooth on the top, bottom, left and right. It is especially important that if you do have a missing tooth that you floss under the gum line and along the sides of the teeth near the missing tooth.

Flossing your teeth daily will keep your gums healthy and strong and make your next dental visit manageable. Even gums that bleed can be treated by daily flossing to remove bacteria build up and strengthen the gums. Most importantly, it will keep you on a healthy path to avoiding gum disease.

 

 

Cross Keys family Dental can assist you with your routine yearly dental check ups and cleaning. Skilled dentists and gentle service is critical for all patients.  Seek a dentist with a passion for smiles. Visit Website URL to find out more.

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