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The thought of sore gums leads many people to put in little effort to floss properly or decide to skip the practice altogether. Dislodging and removing food with dental floss is an essential part of daily teeth cleaning. Otherwise, particles will collect between teeth and along the gum line, forming into plaque that causes cavities, gingivitis, and other painful problems. To ensure you are flossing the right way, follow the below advice.

Do:

Ask for professional help.

teeth cleaningsDuring your routine dental checkup, ask the dentist to go over flossing best practices. For example, they will tell you to use at least 18 inches of floss. There will be enough to wrap around the middle finger of each hand to make the string taut enough to guide between each tooth.

Floss below the gum line.

Although brushing is designed to remove food residue on tooth enamel, flossing is meant to remove particles that the bristles can’t reach. Make sure to scrape the floss below the gum line. It will catch any lingering gunk and plaque buildup before the bacteria eats away at the tissue.

Don’t:

Use too much pressure.

In an effort to scrape away stuck on plaque, you might forcefully floss. Resist the urge, as you could unintentionally apply too much pressure and knock out crowns and chip natural teeth. Aggressive flossing can also cut gums and cause sensitive bruising, so gently work the waxy string in each area.

Reuse floss.

Reusing floss reintroduces bacteria into your mouth. During at-home teeth cleanings, use a new section of floss for each tooth. You can brush after to further dislodge particles, and rinse to wash them out of your mouth.

 

For tips to master your flossing technique, routine teeth cleaning, and cosmetic and restorative work, contact Braswell Family Dentistry in Perry, GA. Apart from professional teeth cleaning, the dentists know at-home care is necessary to prevent cavities, infections, and other dental problems that impact the quality of life of patients in Houston and Peach Counties. They will recommend products and an oral care regimen to protect your pearly whites. To schedule a checkup, call (478) 988-3200. Visit the practice online for a list of cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry services they provide. Become a Facebook follower for additional dental care advice.

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