Your dentist has likely told you to floss more at least once or twice. However, if you haven't done it in a while, you might be unsure of the best way to proceed. Since you know how important this task is, improve your flossing habits by learning what to do and what to avoid.

Do:

Floss every day.

Your teeth need to be flossed just once a day. If you do it before going to bed, you're more likely to remove food particles before they have a chance to spend all night attracting the bacteria that cause cavities, which only a dentist can fix.

Use proper technique.

Take out at least eighteen inches of floss, holding the ends between your thumbs and index fingers. Then, move them up and down between your teeth with the string shaped like the letter C. Get as close to the gum line as possible to ensure you remove plaque.

Try different ways if necessary.

If you have poor coordination or dislike the way floss feels, look into interdental brushes, water picks, and air flossing. Traditional flossing is cheap and effective, but you can accomplish the same goals with these other methods.

Don't:

Worry if you bleed at first.

If your gums aren't used to being flossed, they might be sensitive and prone to bleeding. However, the more you floss, the stronger and healthier your gums will become, which will stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding persists for more than a week or two, see a dentist in case you have gingivitis.

Use too much force.

It doesn't take much effort to rid your teeth of the plaque and food particles that get stuck between them. If you push too hard, you'll only irritate your gums, provoking them to swell and bleed more than necessary.

Reuse the same string.

It may seem resourceful to use the piece of string more than once, but your teeth need clean floss each time. Use a different part of the string for each crevice, and don't hesitate to replace it for a fresh one when it's been completely used.

For more advice about flossing, visit a compassionate and reliable dentist at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville and Salisbury, NC. They can provide a dental exam that’ll confirm whether your flossing habits are paying off or should be improved, and their restoration dentistry services can resolve any issues that arise either way. Schedule an appointment today by calling (704) 663-3300 for Mooresville, (704) 636-3611 for Salisbury, or sending a message online.