You know that you’re supposed to floss, but do you actually know how to floss? If it’s been a while since you flossed, or if you have been flossing regularly but aren’t getting glowing reviews on your dental hygiene from your dentist, your technique might be a little rusty. Here’s how to properly floss to ensure you have a clean and healthy mouth.
Why Flossing Matters
First of all, why is flossing even important? You brush your teeth, shouldn’t that be enough? Well, flossing does a few things, like
- Reaching places your toothbrush can’t
- Preventing tartar and plaque buildup
- Preventing cavities
- Preventing gum disease
Pretty important stuff, we would say.
Proper Flossing Technique
Here’s how you floss: stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands at your sides, then sweep your arms to the left… just kidding, that’s how you do the floss dance.
To floss your teeth, take about 16 inches of floss and wrap it around your two middle fingers, leaving a taut section between. Starting in the back of your mouth, move the floss between each set of teeth in a ‘C’ shape. See? Not that hard. Easier than the dance.
How Often to Floss
The ADA recommends flossing at least once per day. However, for those of you who are resistant to flossing, are unable to floss traditionally due to mobility issues or disability, or have braces/orthodontia that don’t allow you to floss normally, there are interdental cleaners and floss pic/pre-threaded flossers that you can use instead to get the benefits of flossing and to reach the spaces between your teeth.
For a flossing demonstration or a dental cleaning, schedule an appointment with Mogren Dental.
