Routine visits to the dentist's chair typically end the same each time - with the hygienist saying that you have to floss better. In most cases you are still reeling from an hour spent having your teeth picked, prodded and power washed, so you may not think to ask just what proper flossing technique is.
Proper flossing does remain a mystery to many people. No matter how well you think you're doing, there's always room for improvement.
According to most dentists, no matter how vigorous or how frequently you brush your teeth, brushing alone does not equate to oral health - flossing is a must. In fact, if you were to toss out your toothbrush and floss properly, once or twice every day, you would achieve better dental health than brushing alone, three, four, or ten times a day. Not that anyone is saying to give up on brushing.
Flossing helps clean the teeth in the areas where a brush just can't reach. This includes between the teeth and under the gumline. This process helps remove plaque, a sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and hardens over time. If left untreated, plaque deposits can eventually lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
HOW TO FLOSS
1.Take your favorite variety of floss (more on floss types to follow) and pull off about 18 inches. Wrap each end around the middle fingers of both hands to form a string to use.
2.Firmly grasp the floss slack with your index fingers.
3.Forming a C shape, carefully slide the floss up and down the side of a tooth between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
4.Repeat the process on the other side of the tooth. Continue flossing one tooth at a time - both sides - until you've done all of your teeth. Unravel a new stretch of floss from your middle fingers for each tooth.
5.You may need a new piece of floss from the spool to do the bottom teeth, repeating the process from step 1.
6.Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to clean out extra debris that the flossing has loosened and to treat your gums and breath.
FLOSS VARIETIES
Today there are more types of floss than ever before. There is unwaxed, waxed, ribbon and even floss on holders with long handles. Certain floss is also made with space-age materials to improve the glide factor. Experiment with the types of floss to determine one that works best for you.
1.Take your favorite variety of floss (more on floss types to follow) and pull off about 18 inches. Wrap each end around the middle fingers of both hands to form a string to use.
2.Firmly grasp the floss slack with your index fingers.
3.Forming a C shape, carefully slide the floss up and down the side of a tooth between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
4.Repeat the process on the other side of the tooth. Continue flossing one tooth at a time - both sides - until you've done all of your teeth. Unravel a new stretch of floss from your middle fingers for each tooth.
5.You may need a new piece of floss from the spool to do the bottom teeth, repeating the process from step 1.
6.Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to clean out extra debris that the flossing has loosened and to treat your gums and breath.
FLOSS VARIETIES
Today there are more types of floss than ever before. There is unwaxed, waxed, ribbon and even floss on holders with long handles. Certain floss is also made with space-age materials to improve the glide factor. Experiment with the types of floss to determine one that works best for you.
Flavors also abound in floss. From spearmint to cinnamon, you can also enjoy a sensory experience while flossing.
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