Flossing is a good way to remove tooth decay + gum disease causing plaque from between your teeth, as well as from your gumline. But it becomes a great option when it’s done the right way.
Unfortunately, only about 30% of the US population flosses daily, so says a recent American Dental Association survey. Break out a lie detector, and that percentage probably drops lower.
When you take a shower, do you just wash about 65% of your body? That’s probably not a great way to win friends and influence people. But that’s what it’s like to brush your teeth, and NOT floss; you’re only cleaning a portion of your mouth.
Here are some steps to help you master the art of the floss. And for those of you who will not floss, no matter what, we have some floss alternatives you can master as well.
6 Ways to Master Flossing
1. Pick the Right Floss – Not all floss is the same. Some types work better for certain teeth, or if you wear braces.
– Nylon floss – waxed or unwaxed – is thicker and works well for patients, who don’t have very tight spaces between their teeth, or sensitive gums.
– PTFE floss is thinner and softer, but also more durable, so it’s less likely to break, which makes it a good choice for patients with tightly spaced teeth.
– Tape – waxed or unwaxed – is a wider, flatter nylon that works well for people who have larger gaps between their teeth.
– Super Floss works well for people with braces, dental bridges, or wider space between teeth. It uses a combination of three components to clean – a stiffened end, spongy floss and regular floss.
2. Use the Right Amount – Once you have the right floss for you, take about 18 inches of it. Gently wrap the floss around one index finger and then wrap a few additional inches around the other index finger.
3. Hold It Properly – Holding the floss tightly between your forefingers and thumbs, insert it between your teeth – don’t cut off the circulation of your fingers.
4. The “C” Move – Make a curved “C” shape with the floss and angle it against the side of your tooth.
5. Don’t Forget the Gums – Gently rub the floss up and down against the side of the tooth, making sure to get below the gumline. Tip: If the floss breaks, you may be using too much pressure and can bruise your gums.
6. Give All Your Teeth Some Love – Repeat the process on each tooth, using a clean area of the floss as you move from one tooth to another, loosening and tightening the floss. This will also help keep your fingers from getting too uncomfortable. Tip: Be mindful of your back teeth to make sure that they don’t get left out.
When you finish flossing all your teeth, rinse with water or mouthwash. If you need a little extra help to become the master of the floss, here’s a step-by step flossing chart from the American Dental Association.
As you uncover the secret art of flossing, you’ll be able to floss without a mirror, in the dark, or with your eyes shut. You will be “one with the floss”.
Whether you old-school flosser, or you opt for alternative flossing methods, doing it daily, and correctly, will serve your teeth and gums…and breath well.
If you feel like you need a little floss tutorial, or you have a question about floss types or alternatives, please do ask us during your next visit with us. And don’t forget to complement your daily hygiene efforts with bi-annual cleanings and check-ups. If it’s been a while since you’ve been in, please do call us to make an appointment at (206) 242-0066 or contact us online.
