Are you one who tends to ignore the floss as you open and close your bathroom drawer? If so, we are here to help you understand the importance of flossing! Many people avoid the floss because they don’t quite know the details or fundamentals of flossing, and if you are the same way, flossing is easier than you think! To help you understand more about flossing, we have provided the following Q&A:

Why is flossing important?
Flossing is extremely important because it eliminates the plaque from your smile. If you do not remove the plaque daily, your oral cavity is vulnerable to gum disease and tooth loss.

What can I use to floss?
There are many options to consider when flossing. Dental floss, dental picks, pre-threaded flossers, small brushes that successfully clean between teeth, water flossers, or wooden plaque removers are all great choices. There are two common types of floss, which are nylon and PTFE. Nylon floss is available waxed and unwaxed and it is known to come in a variety of flavors. Because the floss is made of nylon, it tends to tear or shred while you floss. PTFE is a more expensive type of floss that slides easily between your teeth without shredding.

How do I floss?
As you get ready to floss, use about 18 inches of your preferred product and wrap each end and most of the floss around each pointer finger, leaving about 2 inches between each finger. Now, use your thumbs and index fingers to gently slide the floss between two teeth. Move the floss up and down and slide it against the sides of your teeth, removing any excess food particles that may be stuck. Then, gently curve the floss against the base of each tooth and move it back and forth, eliminating the plaque that resides there. As you do so, make sure you go beneath the gumline. It is important that you go beneath and around the gums in a gentle but efficient way. Repeat this process between each tooth and remember to use a new section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

When is the best time to floss?
As long as you floss at least once a day, it does not matter what time you floss. It can be before bed, after breakfast, during your lunch break, or between classes. However, many people like to floss their teeth right before they go to bed because they like to sleep with a clean mouth. But, your preference is all that matters when it comes to the best time to floss.

If you have any questions about flossing or about the information provided, please feel free to call our office and talk to a member of our team. We care about you and your smile and we are more than happy to help you find the best flossing products and techniques!

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