Dentists often stress the importance of regular flossing. At Pfeiffer Family Dentistry in Fort Thomas, KY, the dental staff recognizes that flossing isn’t always an easy habit to pick up—but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s important to remember that regular flossing is key to preventing a number of oral conditions, ranging from gingivitis to bad breath to plaque buildup. You can even prevent emergency dental situations and possible oral surgery in the future just by adding this valuable step to your regimen.

The team at Pfeiffer Family Dentistry has some valuable insight into becoming a flossing expert. These tips will help you revamp your dental care routine:

• Be Gentle: Don’t overdo it. It’s common to vigorously move the floss back and forth between teeth, but it’s more effective to run the string in between teeth gently in order to prevent damaging delicate gum tissues.
• Be Diligent: Flossing every once in a while won’t make a difference when it comes to your long-term dental health. The key is to floss every day to make it a habit. This will remove stubborn food particles that don’t dislodge with normal brushing, and also prevent those particles from causing plaque to develop.
• Be Experimental: There are many different types of floss on the market, ranging from waxed, flavored flosses to floss picks. The latter may be easier to use for those who have a difficult time gripping the floss. It’s important to select floss that glides in between your teeth easily without causing discomfort or difficulty. There are flosses designed specifically for tight teeth and sensitive gums, for example. Your dentist can suggest an appropriate type if you need assistance.