While brushing and flossing regularly are common dentist recommendations, do you know the order you should complete each task? How often should you do them? Here’s what you should know about flossing your teeth to ensure a healthy smile throughout your life.

How Often Should You Floss?

Your dentist will likely recommend twice daily, which is good advice. It takes up to 24 hours for plaque—a mixture of bacteria and saliva—to become hardened and irritate gums. Flossing once within a 24-hour period is sufficient to remove soft plaque. For the best results, floss before brushing to remove plaque and food particles that can then be washed away.

What Is the Proper Flossing Technique?

While your dentist can show you the proper flossing technique, here are a few tips. Use about 18 inches of floss and wind the majority of it around the index finger of your nondominant hand. Wind a couple of inches around the middle finger of your dominant hand, leaving the index finger free to guide the floss. Guide a clean segment of floss gently between each tooth, making a “C” shape as you move it around the edge. Slide the floss along both the front and back side of the tooth in a gentle zigzag motion and under the gumline.

Which Floss Should You Use?

Regular dental floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties. Waxed is best for those with little space between teeth. If you have gaps or wider spaces, unwaxed floss or dental tape may be the best option. If you don’t like regular floss, try flossing sticks, which are especially good for traveling. Oral irrigators are an option too, although they are not as effective as regular flossing.

Flossing is an integral part of a good oral hygiene routine, along with regular dentist visits. Dental Distinctions in Kalispell, MT, are cosmetic dentistry experts, offering veneers, whitening, and implants. They also provide regular exams and cleanings, same day crowns, myofunctional therapy, intraoral camera diagnosis and CBCT technology. Call (406) 755-4166 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and their unique services.