If you're not already flossing your teeth, now is a great time to start. Flossing regularly and with the right technique can remove food particles that encourage bad bacteria to grow. Overall, it's an excellent habit to adopt when you want to keep your gums healthy. Here are some tips for making your flossing a success.
Achieve Consistency
As with any new habit, it takes a while to settle into flossing if you don't already do it. However, it's only by achieving consistency that you'll reap the rewards for your oral health. Try carrying some floss with you so that you remember to do it after meals. And make sure you place some next to your toothbrush so you don't forget to do it after brushing your teeth.
Decide When
There are benefits to flossing before and after you brush your teeth, so all you need to do is decide when is best for you. If you floss before brushing, you create a clearer area for your fluoride to spread out on. Or, by brushing before flossing you spread the fluoride out between your teeth. You may also decide that flossing is best after eating a meal, as it can dislodge food particles that would otherwise stay there until you brush again.
Avoid Your Gums
Until you refine your flossing technique, you may find that you strike your gums a couple of times. However, you should try to avoid doing this wherever possible. Your gums are sensitive, so too much floss exposure could cause them to bruise. If you find that your gums bleed regularly after flossing, discuss the issue with your dentist. They may want to examine your mouth for signs of gum disease.
Refine a Technique
Flossing might feel a little awkward until you perfect your technique. In addition to avoiding your gums, you should make sure you move your floss down the edges of each tooth. Doing so dislodges food and clears away plaque that your toothbrush may miss. Everyone's mouth is different, so try experimenting with different angles and techniques until you get your routine right.
Try Different Brands
If you still feel uncomfortable with flossing after a couple of weeks, try experimenting with different brands. Some have different textures and tastes that make the task more pleasant. Once you find a brand you're happy with, stock up on a few packs so you always have some available.
For more information, contact a local dentist.
Share1 April 2022
When I had my first child, I was a nervous wreck. Every book I read gave different advice, and I just wanted to be right! By the time I had my third child, some of the stress had abated. I now realised, there were tons of different perspectives on everything related to raising children including dentistry. To help parents, I have created this blog dedicated to unraveling dental myths about children. I am including posts that weigh both sides of issues such as thumb sucking, dental caries, breastfeeding, flossing and any other topic I can think of. I hope you find the information you need to unravel dental myths, but most importantly, I hope you find some peace of mind. With kids and dentistry, there can be more than one right answer, and I want you to be able to relax and go with the answer that's right for you.
