At Tooth Spa in Sunnyvale, we encourage the best at-home oral hygiene practices, like proper flossing. It is important to floss your teeth often to keep them healthy and clean. Everyone knows that brushing daily is important, but many of us forget how important flossing is also. 10% of all Americans never floss and only 50% floss daily.
Flossing is important because it prevents periodontal gum disease, and can even prevent tooth loss. Some even consider flossing more important than brushing. Even if you feel like food does not get caught between your teeth, flossing removes the plaque that builds up between and around your teeth that toothbrushes cannot reach on their own.
How Often Should One Floss?
You should floss at least once a day. Many people believe that brushing daily is important, but don’t think that they need to floss as often. It is a great idea to floss your teeth each night while brushing your teeth before going to bed. This way you will get in the habit of adding it to your daily routine.
Saves Your Gums
Flossing can save your gums from gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. It is necessary extra help that should be used in tandem with brushing and cleaning your teeth daily. Many people could have avoided cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease if only they took the time to floss more regularly. The plaque that gathers between your teeth is not always noticeable, but it slowly eats away at your gums and causes problems that you do not notice happening inside your mouth.
Proper Flossing Techniques
Flossing may not be considered easy, but with practice, you will get it right. Start with a long piece of floss and wrap it around the middle fingers of each of your hands leaving some floss between. Hold onto the floss with your thumb and index finger, and slide the floss between your teeth. Form a C shape at the gum line and floss up and down to remove the plaque.
Repeat this motion between all of your teeth. Unspool the floss as you go so that you will have fresh floss between each section. This includes flossing behind your last, top, and bottom molars because this area is the most likely to harbor gum disease. Remember, the most important thing about flossing is to do it often!
When Should I See The Dentist?
If you find sensitivity while flossing, it may be an alert for you to seek help from a dentist. Some gums are more sensitive and may bleed more often while flossing. If you notice that your gums have been bleeding more often than usual or are more sensitive than usual, it is a good indicator that you may need advanced dental help.
Call the dentists at Tooth Spa in Sunnyvale for more information and to make an appointment for a checkup.