You know you should be flossing every day, but let’s face it – sometimes it’s just not that easy. If you’re not sure how to floss properly, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Dental Association found that only 4 out of 10 adults floss daily. But the good news is that it’s not as hard as you think. With a little practice, you can master the art of flossing and keep your teeth healthy for life.
What is Flossing?
Flossing is a method of cleaning your teeth that removes plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline – places that your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Why is Flossing Important?
Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene routine because it helps to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When you brush your teeth, you’re only able to reach the surfaces of your teeth. But when you floss, you’re able to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
7 Steps To Flossing Like A Pro
1. Get the Right Tools
The first step to flossing like a pro is to get the right tools. You’ll need a roll of floss (waxed or unwaxed) and a floss holder. You can also use a water flosser, which is an electric device that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
2. Wrap the Floss snugly around your middle fingers
Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.
3. Use a gentle back and forth motion
Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
4. Be sure to floss under the gumline
Plaque can build up under the gumline, so be sure to floss gently under the gumline to remove it.
5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque and bacteria.
6. Don’t forget to floss the back of your last tooth
Don’t forget to floss the back of your last tooth. Many people forget to floss the back of their last molar, but it’s just as important to floss all of your teeth.
7. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash
After you’ve flossed all of your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or bacteria.
Flossing Techniques
1. The string floss technique
The string floss technique is the most common type of flossing. To do this, you’ll need a roll of floss and a floss holder. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
2. The preloaded floss technique
The preloaded floss technique is similar to the string floss technique, but you don’t need a floss holder. To do this, you’ll need a preloaded flosser, which is a plastic device that has a built-in floss holder. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers. Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
3. The water floss technique
The water floss technique is a newer method of flossing that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums. To do this, you’ll need a water flosser, which is an electric device that has a built-in water reservoir. Fill the reservoir with water and place the tip of the flosser against your teeth and gums. Turn on the device and move the tip back and forth to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean tip for each tooth.
How to Properly Floss Teeth
1. Choose the right type of floss
The first step to properly flossing your teeth is to choose the right type of floss. There are three main types of floss: string floss, preloaded floss, and water floss. String floss is the most common type of floss and is available in waxed and unwaxed varieties. Preloaded floss is a plastic device that has a built-in floss holder. Water floss is an electric device that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
2. Wrap the floss around your fingers
Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.
3. Use a gentle back and forth motion
Gently insert the floss between your teeth and use a back and forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to go under the gumline and to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
4. Floss under the gumline
Plaque can build up under the gumline, so be sure to floss gently under the gumline to remove it.
5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque and bacteria.
6. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash
After you’ve flossed all of your teeth, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any remaining plaque or bacteria.
11 Ways To Keep Your Teeth Healthy
1. Brushing twice a day
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Flossing daily
Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from in between your teeth and below the gumline.
3. Eating a balanced diet
Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
4. Avoiding tobacco
Avoid tobacco products, as they can cause tooth staining, gum disease, and tooth decay.
5. Wearing a mouthguard
Wear a mouthguard if you play sports to protect your teeth from injury.
6. Visiting the dentist regularly
Visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup.
7. Using fluoride toothpaste
Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
8. Using a fluoride mouthrinse
Use a fluoride mouthrinse to help prevent tooth decay.
9. Getting sealants
Ask your dentist about getting sealants, which are a protective coating that is applied to the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
10. Wearing braces
If you have braces, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit the dentist regularly for a professional cleaning.
11. Practicing good oral hygiene
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.