Flossing is one of the most important, and most overlooked, parts of dental care. It’s crucial that you add it to your everyday practice, and educating yourself is the best place to begin. Below is everything your dentist wants you to know to ensure you take all the necessary steps to preserve your smile.

Why It’s Important

Flossing is the only way to remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places in your mouth. When these stay in place, they’ll gradually erode your enamel and create cavities, root canal infections, and other serious complications. Plaque may also begin building up below the gum line, leading to gingivitis, and eventually, gum disease. This oral health issue isn’t easy to resolve and leads to dangerous tissue infections and tooth loss.

When to Do It

According to the American Dental Association, you should floss every day, twice a day. It’s best to floss before you brush your teeth, as you’ll remove plaque and food particles and can then brush the remnants away. You may also want to tuck a travel-sized roll of floss into your bag or drawer at the office so you can dislodge any tricky food debris stuck between your teeth after a meal.

How to Do It

Traditional string floss is the most popular method. The ADA recommends drawing an 18-inch piece of string and winding each end around your middle fingers or thumb and forefinger. Next, wiggle the floss between your teeth until it reaches the gum line, curve the floss into a C shape, and glide it up and down the crevice. Then, carefully draw it out, move to a clean length of floss, and start on the next tooth.

If floss is too cumbersome, try dental picks. These plastic handles hold a piece of string and are easier to maneuver. You can also try a water-jet flosser, which will blast high-powered jets of water between your teeth to remove plaque and debris. They’re especially popular among children, seniors, and people with arthritis and other health conditions that make it difficult to handle floss.

Biannual trips to the dentist are an essential part of dental care, so contact Richard W Dycus DDS, if you’re overdue. Based in Cookeville, TN, this dentist provides comprehensive oral care services, from general teeth cleanings to cosmetic dentistry procedures, to ensure all your health needs are met. Call (931) 528-7977 to schedule an exam and connect on Facebook for more oral health tips. You can also learn more about the practice online.