Everything You Need to Know About Flossing
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), flossing is one of your best defenses against plaque. Floss is proven effective in removing food particles and plaque that can stick to the teeth and gums between teeth. By flossing on a daily basis, you reduce the chances of gum disease and increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
Choosing Your Dental Floss
Floss comes in waxed and unwaxed versions, and it is also available in a variety of flavors. Wide and regular size are your other choices, and any of these is good for removing plaque and cleaning your teeth. Wide floss is a better choice for those who have had bridgework. It is also the logical choice for those who have wider than average spaces between their teeth.
While waxed floss is much easier to slide between teeth, especially teeth that are very close together, unwaxed floss has the advantage of squeaking against clean teeth, so you know you have done a good job. Bonded dental floss that is not waxed will not fray as quickly or easily as regular unwaxed dental floss, but it does tear more often than the waxed variety.
To find out for sure what type of dental floss is right for you, consult with your dentist.
How to use Dental Floss Correctly
Using about 18 inches of floss, with most of it wrapped around a middle finger, guide the floss between your teeth in a gentle sawing motion with your forefinger. When you reach the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against the tooth. Be very gentle when guiding the floss into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel a slight bit of resistance. Repeat this technique with all of your teeth.
In addition to brushing and flossing, a regular visit to Karen Gordon DMD in Hollywood, Florida can keep your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy.
