In addition to twice-yearly trips to your dentist, at-home dental care is also crucial. Teeth should be brushed twice a day to keep your smile dazzling, while flossing must take place at least once per day for optimum gum health. Proper technique is just as crucial as frequency, so here are a few tips on how to make flossing most effective. 

Do:

Use the right length.

Dentists recommend using 18 inches of floss when caring for your teeth. This length allows you to move to clean sections as you go, which prevents you from redistributing plaque to other areas. For better control, wrap the length of floss around the middle fingers of each hand, then use your thumb and index finger to manipulate the floss. 

Cover all areas of the teeth. 

In addition to getting the sides of each tooth, make sure you're flossing along the gum line as well. Plaque and food debris can easily become stuck in this area, which increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Take your time and cover every area of the tooth service for the best results. 

Don't:

Ignore bleeding while flossing.

Any amount of blood while flossing or brushing indicates an issue with gum disease. The good news is that the effects of gum disease can be reversed when the oral condition is caught in its earliest stages. 

However, when gum disease progresses to periodontitis, you may need advanced procedures to address issues. That's why it's best to visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble. 

Floss too harshly. 

Flossing harshly is not necessarily more effective at cleaning your teeth. In fact, it can actually worsen gum disease by damaging sensitive tissue. When gum tissue is damaged, it allows bacteria to infiltrate and increase inflammation. Accordingly, use careful, gentle motions as you clean between your teeth.

As a trusted dentist in Fairfield, OH, Craig A. Spletzer, DDS is always happy to answer patient questions. Since 1990, this clinic has provided essential oral care services for the whole family, from children to older adults. In addition to their preventative services, they can also help restore your smile with procedures like crowns and dental implants. Visit the website to learn more about this practice or call (513) 860-1133 to schedule an appointment today.