Flossing can often be overlooked by the general population; like the nerdy sibling of brushing your teeth. Everybody understands the importance of using a toothbrush, but nobody really appreciates how vital flossing is to maintaining your oral health. While your toothbrush does a fine job cleaning the outside of your teeth, flossing is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that lies between them. It is absolutely necessary to keep your teeth healthy. Here are 3 flossing tips to keep your smile radiant.
Tip 1: Choose A Floss That Works For Your Smile
You have multiple options to choose from whether it’s waxed, unwaxed, comfort floss, thick, picks, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers. Make sure that whatever floss you choose has the ADA Seal of Approval. If you’re having trouble finding one yourself, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can help you choose an option that works best for your smile and lifestyle.
Tip 2: Floss Before You Brush
When you floss, you dislodge plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth, but most of it continues to rest on the outside of your teeth and eat away at your enamel. Brushing after flossing allows you to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning.
Tip 3: Be Gentle When Flossing
Some people think you have to floss very vigorously between every tooth, repeatedly going up and down with brute force. This can actually cause even more damage to your gums and teeth. A gentle yet firm motion between each tooth is effective in preventing plaque from building up.
Don’t Thread The Needle
Regular appointments with your dentist, along with a good at-home oral health care routine, are a recipe for a great smile. Contact us at our local Katy, TX office at 913-901-8585.
