How to Properly Floss

Many people make all kind of excuses not to floss. If you are wondering if you should floss, the answer is, of course - yes. By flossing, you remove debris and plaque that remains on your teeth and in the gums between them. Plaque is a sticky remaining of food that sticks to your teeth and gums and cannot be brushed away. If not cleaned, plaque can cause gum diseases or teeth problems, and that’s why flossing is very important. By flossing your teeth regularly, you increase your chances of keeping your real teeth for life, without ever needing dental implants.

Step 1: How to Floss

Most people think that there is just one way to floss, but actually there are two: the spool method and the loop method. For those with manual dexterity, the spool method is more natural. Use eighteen inch floss and wind the bulk of the flow around your middle finger. Wind the other part of the floss around the same finger of the opposing hand (don’t squeeze it too tight). After you have got your floss ready, direct it between your teeth and try not to press it on your gums too hard because you may cause yourself pain and hurt them. Don’t rub your teeth side to side as if you were rubbing shoes. Go up and down with the floss a few times, imagine of forming a “c” shape around the tooth and while doing this, try not to go below the gum line.

The loop method is more suitable for people who do not have skillful hands. It is recommended for children who haven’t developed their motor skills to the fullest or adults with problems such as arthritis and others. For this kind of flossing method, use an eighteen inch piece of floss and shape it into a circle. Make sure that you tie it up safely by using three knots. Put all of your fingers in the loop except your thumb. After you have done this, guide the floss through your lower teeth by using your index finger, than using your thumbs, guide the floss through your upper teeth by going bellow the gum line in order to form a “c” shape on the side of the tooth.

Step 2: Types of Floss

There are two types of floss that you can use: Nylon (multifilament) floss or PTFE (monofilament) floss. Nylon floss comes in variety of different flavors and can be waxed and un-waxed. This floss is composed of millions strands of nylon, so it is possible that it tears or sheds, especially when you are flossing teeth with tight contact points. PTFE floss is more expansive but also resistant to tears and sheds even when flossing teeth with little space in between. Both of these flosses clean and polish your teeth in the same way, the only difference is that PTFE floss is indestructible.

Step 3: Floss Every Day

Floss at least once every day. In order to clean your teeth well, it’s recommended to floss for two or three minutes. Do not strain the floss too hard when polishing your teeth; a lot of people do this because they think that their teeth will be cleaner. This is a mistake, pressing too hard on your teeth will damage them and make them weaker and exposed to physical damage.

Step 4: Floss Holders

Some people use floss holders because they feel like it makes the flossing process easier. Floss holders usually look a bit like a hacksaw, and they are useful for people with low dexterity, for those inexperienced in flossing, or for caretakers that need to floss someone else’s teeth.

Step 5: Toothpicks

Toothpicks can be effective in removing food from between your teeth, but cannot clean your teeth thoroughly as floss can. If you don’t have time to floss, or you didn’t bring your flossing equipment with you, a toothpick can be quite effective. Try not to press too hard with the toothpick, as it may break off and stick into your gum.

Taking care of your oral hygiene is very important. Brush your teeth, floss and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, and I guarantee that you won’t be having problems with your teeth in a long time. Do not neglect these things, they don’t take away much of your time and they help you avoid expenses and pain. Hope you learned something today.