Flossing is one of the keys to preventing cavities and periodontal disease since it removes food particles and bacteria your toothbrush cannot reach. However, too many people make flossing mistakes that result in incomplete teeth and gum cleaning. To help you floss correctly every time, review the following tips. 

Do: 

Use the floss to make a “C” shape around each tooth. 

Threading the filament in between the gums is not enough. For thorough cleaning, gently rub the floss down between each tooth and make a “C” shape under the gumline. Keep the floss taut as you clean, since a looser grip makes it harder to remove plaque and food particles. Use about 1 inch of floss to sufficiently clean each tooth. 

Consider floss alternatives. 

There are numerous floss alternatives for individuals with mobility challenges or braces and other dental work. Water flossers, for example, involve gliding the nozzle along the gumline to irrigate the teeth and gums without having to reach back in the mouth. 

There are also a variety of flossing picks that provide more cleaning control, as well as air flossers that work similarly to water flossers, except they use air instead of water to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you experience any difficulty with “regular” floss, consider one of these options to maintain a healthy mouth. 

Don’t: 

Reuse the same section of floss. 

Reusing dirty floss re-introduces bacteria and food particles to your teeth and gums. Pull 18 inches of floss from the box so you have enough to clean each tooth, and do the same with dental tape, or wide floss. If you use individual picks, you’ll need to change the floss or the picks themselves to clean each tooth, depending on the type of product you use. 

Press the floss into the gum tissue. 

Forcing floss in between your teeth risks cutting into gum tissue, which can cause bleeding, pain, and recession. Gently glide the floss in between the teeth and under the gumline instead. If you have trouble getting floss between some of your teeth, consider using a water or air flosser to dislodge food particles and bacteria. You can also use dental tape, as it is typically thin enough to get between teeth that are extra close together.

For top-tier general and cosmetic dentistry services, rely on Total Health Dentistry. Dr. Rachel E. Gold serves residents throughout Cold Spring, KY, providing treatment for cavities, periodontal disease, and wisdom teeth, among numerous other dental services. Call (859) 441-1230 today to make an appointment or visit the website for service details.