If you’ve tried to implement flossing into your daily dental care and it’s not going as planned, there’s a chance you’re making common mistakes. Repeated mistakes might worry your dentist since they could perpetuate oral injury and dental decay. Here are three flossing mistakes you might be making and how to change them. 

Flossing Errors You May Be Making

1. Rushing Through the Process

While many people are tempted to rush through flossing, moving too quickly could cause damage to your gum tissue. Accidentally snapping floss could lacerate the gums, and quick movements might remove less plaque than you think. When you floss, always set aside enough time to move as slowly as you need to get the job done. 

2. Flossing Too Often

While flossing every day is important, flossing more than once a day could harm your gum tissue. Scale things back if you’re flossing more than once a day. If you’ve been a frequent flosser in the past, ask your dentist if your teeth and gums look healthy. They can look for signs of damage, recessed gums, or sensitive areas. 

3. Stopping Because of Bleeding Gums 

Occasionally when you floss, you may notice a slight amount of bleeding around the gum tissue. Although this can be worrisome, bleeding and swollen gums are a sign of the earliest stages of gum disease. By continuing to floss properly, your gums will no longer be swollen and will eventually stop bleeding.

It can be a challenge to floss properly, so don’t hesitate to ask the dentists at All Bright Dental in Mamaroneck, NY, for help. In addition to customizing patient care, this experienced family dentist also specializes in dental crowns, dentures, laser treatments, and emergency dental procedures. Explore other ways this dentist can help you by visiting their website or by calling (914) 698-5228.