Brushing your teeth twice a day is important for dental care, but this action alone cannot remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. As a result, you also need to floss. However, many people are not doing this frequently enough. In addition to not flossing often enough, there are other common mistakes that you may be making. Here are some tips to ensure you're flossing properly.

Do:

Floss once per day.

You only need to floss once per day to maintain proper oral hygiene. Doing so before bed is optimal so that you can remove the food, plaque, and bacteria that have built up throughout the day. This also helps catch any pieces your toothbrush may have missed.

Maneuver floss correctly.

Make sure you are flossing your teeth, not your gums. It is important to use gentle pressure to glide the filament through the teeth. Do not apply too much pressure, or the strand could snap. Flossing with a dirty section of floss won't clean your teeth effectively, so make sure the piece is long enough. Unwind several inches, and wrap the ends around the index fingers on each hand. When moving to another section of your mouth, unwrap the floss a bit before continuing. 

Don't:

Rely on replacements for flossing.  

Although mouthwash can be a nice way to freshen your breath after a snack or beverage, it is not a proper replacement for flossing. Neither is brushing your teeth more frequently. 

Proper dental care includes brushing after meals and only two to three times daily. Not only can doing it more often become detrimental, but it also won't remove excess buildup of plaque and bacteria between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas.

Stop if your gums bleed.

While it may seem counterproductive to keep flossing if your gums begin to bleed, you shouldn't stop if it occurs. Not flossing can cause gingivitis, which is a common cause of inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Flossing can help prevent or lessen these effects. It may take time, but after consistent flossing, gum tissue inflammation will reduce and become more comfortable. However, if bleeding continues, talk to your dentist so that they can better address the underlying cause.

If you are looking for a dentist, turn to William B. Collier Jr., DMD, in Enterprise, AL, for your oral health needs. Dr. Collier and his staff provide high-quality dental care in a relaxing environment. This office has been serving patients of all ages throughout the Wiregrass Region since 1967. They are dedicated to helping you restore your confidence through a brilliant and healthy smile. Visit the website to learn more about the variety of cosmetic and general dentistry services they provide, or call (334) 347-5026 to schedule an appointment.