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Brushing and flossing are essential to a happy, healthy smile. When performed properly, flossing rids teeth of bacteria and plaque particles that can cause gum disease, inflammation, and tooth loss. Unfortunately, many of the most faithful flossers are not doing so correctly. Make the most of your daily dental care habits by learning how to properly floss your teeth.

3 Steps to Efficient Flossing From Dental Care Experts

1. Prepare the Floss

According to The American Dental Association, the order in which you brush and floss is not of the utmost importance. Before or after brushing your teeth, extend a strand of floss to about 18 inches and sever it from the container. Next, wrap the floss around each of your middle fingers, giving yourself 1-2 inches of free floss. If you’re unsure about what type of floss to use, cosmetic dentists recommend nylon or PTFE floss for their quality and efficiency.  

2. Gently Floss Between the Gums

dental careNext, slowly slide the floss between your teeth. For the best results, position the strand between your thumb and index finger. This will improve your grip, allow you to curve the floss around the base of each tooth, and reach the gum line. It is important to floss gently, as pulling too harshly can bruise tissue, cause bleeding, and lead to mouth soreness. Also, remove any debris from the floss as you go so you don’t redistribute food between teeth.

3. Remove the Floss

To remove the floss, simply pull the strand up and away from your teeth. It’s crucial that braces, permanent retainers, and dental bridges don’t prevent you from flossing, as this practice can reach places between the gums a toothbrush cannot. If standard floss is difficult to use, consider alternative flossing tools. Consult your dentist about how to use interdental cleaners such as flossing picks, threader floss, and water flossers.

 

Maximize the benefits of your daily flossing habits by practicing proper dental care. For over 35 years, Chinook Family Dentistry has provided patients throughout Anchorage, Alaska, with tooth extractions, root canals, endodontic solutions, dental implants, teeth whitening, and periodontal disease treatments. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Dr. Richard Lathrop and Dr. Lisa Symonds are committed to meeting all of your oral needs with their professional and premium patient care. To brighten your smile and your day, call (907) 272-8422, or visit them online to schedule a consultation.

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