Flossing is a key step in your daily oral health routine. Your dentist properly removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth at your regular cleaning appointments, but you might not be flossing the right way at home. The following are some of the most common flossing mistakes that you should avoid. 

Bad Flossing Habits You Should Break

1. Not Cleaning the Sides of Both Teeth

Many people slide the floss between two teeth and quickly pull the floss back up. This method does not thoroughly clean the sides of both teeth. Instead, you should move the floss down and then carefully slide it against the side of each tooth. Plaque hides along the gum line on the sides of your teeth, so it’s important to give this space enough attention. 

2. Only Flossing Your Front Teeth

It’s easy to floss the teeth at the front of your mouth, but reaching the back teeth can be tricky. Therefore, you might find yourself quickly flossing the front teeth and then stopping. However, clearing food particles and plaque from your back teeth is just as important. Ignoring these areas could lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re unsure how to floss your back teeth, ask your dentist to show you.

3. Flossing Too Often

While it’s important to floss once per day, it’s possible to floss too often. If you are flossing multiple times per day, you could wear down the gum tissue and cause sensitivity. Generally, flossing your teeth before bed will clean your teeth enough and help prevent oral health issues.

If you’re looking to improve your brushing and flossing routine, visit the team at Daniel M Hamrick, DDS. Located in China Grove, NC, this locally owned dental office offers a variety of services for your family, including routine cleanings, tooth extractions, root canals, X-rays, and sealants. Dr. Hamrick and his team also offer emergency dental appointments when you need immediate care. You can learn more about their friendly practice and view a full list of their services by visiting them online. Call (704) 857-7497 to book your dentist appointment today.