Let’s be honest, most people do not floss regularly even though they know they should. Flossing is an integral part of any dental hygiene program. Brushing alone is not able to remove the bacteria and food debris that builds up between and around our teeth. Proper flossing can help prevent not only tooth decay but also tooth loss as well. So, what are the rules of flossing for you to follow? Below you will find the basics to floss porperly…
6 Rules To Great Flossing
–Floss Everyday. Most prefer flossing at bedtime but it can really be done at any point in the day. Flossing can and should be performed more than once a day. The main goal of flossing is to remove the plaque and food debris from between and around your teeth.
–Everyone With Teeth Or Dental Implants Should Floss. This includes kids, adults, and seniors. The general rule for flossing is if you want to keep your teeth or implants, you should floss. Flossing is often overlooked especially for children and those who do not have many teeth. It is never too early or late to start with good habits. Proper flossing will lead you toward a lifetime of good oral health.
–Follow Proper Flossing Technique. Often times people floss with no idea of what they are doing…just going through the motions. The proper technique for flossing covers all aspects of your teeth going up and down between teeth as well as around them. The goal of flossing is to reach areas of the mouth that brushing alone is unable to.
–Be Aware Of Bleeding Gums. Bleeding gums can happen on occasion when flossing. It can occur from improper flossing technique or ,more than likely, it is occuring because of the presence of early periodontal disease. For many, it can be inflamed gums due to gingivitis, which is reversible. Medications and illness can also cause bleeding gums. If your gums continue bleeding after 2 weeks of proper flossing and brushing, see your dentist immediately for a complete dental examination and dental cleaning. Your dentist and hygienist will get you back on track to good oral health.
-Keep Up The Routine. Flossing should be done daily but the time of day may vary. The important thing is to stay steady and follow the course over time.
–Use The Proper Tools. All dental floss or dental hygiene products are not made equal. There are a myriad of options available and you need to find what works best for your needs. For some it might be the standard dental floss while for others a floss holder may be necessary to get the job done. Keep trying different products until you
