Just about everyone has had their dentist remind them of the importance of brushing and flossing. Yet, while most people are pretty diligent about brushing their teeth, flossing tends to get overlooked. However, this doesn’t diminish its importance. Here’s what you need to know about making flossing part of your oral hygiene routine.

Why Flossing Is Necessary

While brushing your teeth can remove much of the plaque buildup inside your mouth, toothbrush bristles tend to have a hard time reaching tight crevices between your teeth. Flossing gets into these hard-to-reach spots to remove plaque and food debris, preventing tartar buildup and cavity formation.

Consistent flossing, when combined with brushing and the use of an alcohol-free mouthwash, will ultimately help you avoid more intensive dental work, such as fillings and crowns. Removing all plaque lowers your risk for tooth decay and gingivitis, and consistent flossing will also strengthen your gums, making them less likely to bleed.

How to Floss Properly

You should floss once a day, applying gentle pressure to avoid hurting your gums. Cut off an 18-inch strand of floss, hold a short section between your thumb and fingers, and gently curve the rest around the side of a tooth.

Then, move the floss both back and forth and up and down. Use a clean section of floss for your next tooth, repeating the process until you’ve reached them all. If you need help with your technique, have a dentist demonstrate during your next checkup.

For a welcoming, caring dental office that treats patients of all ages, choose Genovese Dental in Cottleville, MO. Dr. Michael P. Genovese draws from over 30 years of family dentistry experience to address each patient's unique needs, so you can achieve great oral health. To learn more about his services or schedule an appointment with this friendly dentist, visit him online or call (636) 928-4090.