Your Guide to Great Flossing

Do you floss regularly? Many people brush their teeth daily, but not everyone is as diligent about flossing consistently.

Did you know that brushing your teeth cleans only 60 percent of your teeth, while flossing reaches the spaces between them that toothbrush bristles cannot access? 

Flossing is a critical oral hygiene practice. Using dental floss helps clean and remove food particles stuck between teeth, reducing the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Flossing daily can help preserve the health and longevity of your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day, regular flossing contributes to maintaining a beautiful smile for years to come

Learning to floss correctly is important, as improper flossing can potentially damage your teeth and gums. If you are unsure about the best way to clean between your teeth, here is a step-by-step guide on how to floss effectively.

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How to Choose Your Dental Flossing Tools

The first step in learning how to floss properly is selecting the right tools. There are various options for choosing dental floss, considering factors such as dental appliances and limited mobility. Feel free to consult your dentist at Hygge Laser Dentistry for their flossing recommendations at your next cleaning appointment.

String Dental Floss

String dental floss is the most common and traditional product. String floss is available in waxed and unwaxed options and various flavors. Both options are effective at cleaning between teeth, so feel free to choose the most comfortable one for you.

Dental Tape

Dental tape is similar to floss and used with the same technique; however, it is broader and flatter than traditional dental floss. The choice between dental floss and tape depends on which is more effective for cleaning between your teeth and which is easier to handle. Dental tape is recommended for individuals with wider-than-average gaps between their teeth. 

Picks

A dental floss pick is a small plastic tool with one end curved to hold dental floss and a small plastic pick on the other. Similar to a toothpick, the pick can remove food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. Floss picks can be easier than traditional floss to grip and maneuver between teeth, making them a convenient option for people who are on the go or have mobility issues.

Threaders

A floss threader is a rigid yet flexible piece of plastic designed to help pass dental floss around fixed bridgework, behind orthodontic wires, and under denture retainer bars. Floss threaders resemble large 'needles' and are highly effective for passing dental floss between connected teeth.

Interdental Brushes

An interdental brush is designed to help you clean both the sides of your teeth and the spaces between them, regardless of how tight or wide those gaps may be. The bristles of an interdental brush are secured by wire and are shaped somewhat like those of a mascara wand.

Water Flossers

A water flosser is a device that directs a stream of water at the teeth. This oral irrigator can help remove food particles from between teeth and eliminate plaque without any strings or tools that may be difficult for some to maneuver.

Proper Flossing Technique

Follow these simple tips to make sure you're flossing correctly and getting the most out of this important part of your oral hygiene routine.

First, take around 18 inches of floss from the roll and wrap the ends around your two index fingers. This wrapping method gives you better control while flossing, and a longer length of floss allows you to clean all your teeth in one sitting.

Hold the floss between your thumb and index fingers. Pinch the string with your forefinger and thumb on each hand for better control, and adjust the length of the floss as needed. Your thumbs assist in flossing your upper teeth, while your index fingers focus on your bottom teeth.

Place the floss or tape between two of your teeth. Imagine gently rubbing the floss along your gums and teeth. When you feel the floss touch your gums, move it in a “C” motion, sliding it up and down against your teeth. This “C” motion effectively scrapes away plaque and debris.

Floss between each tooth gently, one at a time, making sure to scoop under the gum line where bacteria reside. Use a new section of floss for each tooth. As you need more floss, unravel additional lengths from what you have wrapped around your index fingers.

Don’t forget to floss your back molars—these are some of the most common spots where gum disease and cavities can begin. Although it can be more challenging to floss these molars, it is still essential to do so. Slide the floss between your posterior teeth and gently move it toward you.

Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Rinsing helps prevent stray particles from lingering in your mouth after cleaning. Many people choose to floss after brushing their teeth; however, a study published in the American Academy of Periodontology indicates that flossing before brushing is more effective. Flossing first can remove debris between your teeth, allowing the fluoride from the toothpaste to reach more areas and work more efficiently. 

Be Consistent to Reap the Benefits

The flossing product you choose is less important than actually using it. 

Daily flossing helps maintain oral health while lowering the risk of gum disease and dental decay.

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If you select an interdental cleaner that doesn't meet your expectations, consult our dentists, Drs. Emma Gordon and Andrew Mueller, at Hygge Laser Dentistry in Seattle, WA, for advice, and continue experimenting until you find one that works for you and your teeth.