Flossing is an essential part of a daily oral hygiene routine. It removes plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line to prevent the onset of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. But despite being taught to floss from an early age, there are still a number of common mistakes that people make when flossing. Below, the skilled dentists at Jeffrey E. Bang, DMD, PC in Staunton, VA, discuss a few of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

Cut a long enough piece of floss.

As a general rule of thumb, you should cut a piece of floss as long as 18 inches. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers, and use the thumb and index finger to hold and guide the floss.

Rinse your mouth out after.

Always rinse your mouth out with mouthwash after flossing. This kills the bacteria that can cause bad breath and removes any lingering debris from your teeth.

Don’t:

Re-use floss.

Floss is used to remove trapped food particles between the teeth. Not only is it covered with bacteria after use, but it also begins to fray and unravel. You should always cut a new piece of floss to maintain good oral hygiene.

Forget to floss below the gum line.

Food particles get trapped between the teeth and in the gum tissue. Always floss in the space between the gums and teeth to remove plaque that the toothbrush is unable to reach.  

In addition to daily flossing, it is also essential to see a dentist twice a year for regular teeth cleanings. For the premier dentist in Staunton, VA, turn to the caring staff at Jeffrey E. Bang, DMD, PC. The practice specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry services to improve their patients’ smiles and oral health. Call (540) 885-8667 to schedule an appointment or speak with one of their compassionate staff members.