Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is a must, but at-home care is just as important for your oral and physical health. Flossing after meals or before you brush your teeth is a crucial step in your oral hygiene routine, but there are mistakes that can actually hinder the wellness of your teeth and gums. To ensure you're properly caring for yourself at home, follow this list of guidelines. 

Do:

Use enough floss.

It's likely that your dentist will recommend using at least 18 inches of string when flossing, and while that might sound like a lot, it actually protects your teeth and gums. If you utilize the same section of floss for more than one or two teeth, then you are only moving the bacteria around your mouth rather than removing it. Instead, use a small section of the strand for each motion. 

Proceed gently.

It might feel tempting to rely on a heavy hand when flossing, but being rough on your gums will lead to unnecessary bleeding and irritation. Instead, go gently in between your teeth and gums to remove leftover food particles and bacteria. Wrapping both ends of the floss around two of your fingers twice or three times will help ease your movements. 

Don't: 

Stop if you see bleeding.

It's certainly off-putting to see blood when you're flossing or while at the dentist, but it's important not to stop the process. If the bleeding is due to rough movements, ease the pressure that you're using. However, redness and irritation might be due to excess bacteria between the gums, so it's important to remove what you can with floss. 

Replace flossing with mouthwash. 

While mouthwash can provide a fresh and clean feel while killing bacteria in your mouth, it can only be used as a complement, not a replacement for flossing. Mouthwash doesn't remove particles stuck between the teeth in the same way floss can, so it's important to continue to have a thorough at-home oral care routine. 

Make sure that you're frequently visiting the dentist in between your at-home routine by visiting Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. They provide a comfortable, caring environment to put clients of all ages at ease, no matter their reason for coming in. From checkups and cleanings to teeth whitening and dental implants, their highly skilled team works hard to ensure every patient has a positive experience. Visit their website to see a complete list of cosmetic and general dentistry services, and call (808) 235-2121 to make an appointment.