Flossing is one of the most helpful practices a person can adopt to maintain their oral hygiene. However, if you’re not doing it properly, you won’t see the same results. As such, below are some do’s and don’ts for taking care of your teeth the right way.

Do: 

Be gentle.

You should be vigorous about your oral hygiene, but be careful not to be too forceful. While you want to get in between the teeth to remove any food particles and harmful bacteria, make sure you aren’t flossing too aggressively. If you’re not careful, you can damage your gums. Gently wrap the floss around the tooth in a C-shape and hold it firmly as you lift.

Floss at least once a day.

To keep your oral hygiene in top shape, floss at least once a day. Twice a day is even better. It doesn’t really matter whether you do it before or after brushing, only that they happen consecutively; this helps minimize the bacteria in your mouth.

Don’t: 

Stop even if your gums bleed.

Seeing red while flossing can be concerning. But bleeding while flossing doesn’t mean that you should stop. In fact, bleeding gums are a sign that your oral hygiene routine could use even more flossing than what you currently do.

Be afraid to experiment with different types of floss.

As with most oral hygiene products on the market today, there are a variety of brands and products to choose from. Try different ones to see which you are most comfortable using. Check with the dentist for recommendations on which would be most beneficial for your dental concerns specifically, especially if you have sensitive gums.

The dental office of Dr. Richard Wells Mittelstadt in Anchorage, AK, provides teeth cleanings, exams, and other preventive and general dentistry services to help patients maintain and improve their oral hygiene. Their experienced, caring dentists and hygienists will create personalized treatment plans and make sure you are completely comfortable the moment you step through the door. Call the office today at (907) 272-9214 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about their services.