If you are like most people, you might wonder if you are flossing properly—especially if you haven’t made a habit of it yet. Fortunately, by abiding by a few pointers, you can keep your teeth healthier and improve the outcome of your next dentist appointment. Here are a few critical do’s and don’ts of flossing, and how you can protect your smile. 

Do: 

Be gentle.

When you floss, focus on being as gentle as possible. Instead of snapping floss between your teeth and moving it aggressively, use slow, gentle friction to remove as much grime as possible. Work the dental floss back and forth to run it under the gumline, keeping the floss close against your tooth as you work. If you aren’t quite sure how to floss correctly, talk with your dentist during your next checkup. 

Remember all of the contact points. 

In addition to flossing between contact points, where the teeth touch, floss where the teeth are next to areas with raised gum tissue. Examples include the very back molars, which may have gum tissue raised around the tooth. Flossing all contact points helps to cut down on bacteria present in the mouth, improving oral health. 

Don’t: 

Overlook your options.

To add to your traditional dental floss routine, you can use flossing picks, water irrigators, and interdental cleaners that feature bristles similar to pipe cleaners. These cleaners make it easy to quickly and easily scrub the surfaces of teeth. Talk to your dentist about which flossing option is best for your smile, and how to use the tools properly. 

Forget.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing once a day for improved oral health. If you tend to forget to floss, stock up on flossing products and keep them near your standard toothbrush and toothpaste.

A healthy smile paves the way for great self-esteem, so schedule an appointment with the dentist at Genovese Dental in Cottleville, MO, or a checkup. In addition to having your teeth cleaned and checked for damage, you can take advantage of cosmetic improvements, such as teeth whitening and veneer placement. To learn more about how they can help, visit their website, or give their office a call at (636) 928-4090.