Flossing removes food particles and bacteria from between teeth, freshens breath, and whitens smiles. Even though this oral hygiene habit may seem simple, there are some important steps to take to ensure you get the best results. If you don’t perform the task correctly, you might cause more harm than good. Mind the following flossing do's and don'ts to make your dentist proud and enhance your smile.

Do:

Floss every day.

Floss once daily to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. While brushing scrubs at the surfaces of teeth, it doesn't always reach the areas between them as effectively. Using floss to dislodge bacteria and plaque from these spaces prevents enamel erosion and cavities. By curbing plaque buildup, you'll also keep tartar—hard deposits that coat the teeth—from forming and irritating the gums. Over time, too much accumulation can cause gum disease.

Use the right technique.

If you use too much force or a sawing motion as you floss, you might damage gum tissue and make the experience unpleasant. Hold the filament taut in your hands, and move it up and down to gently glide it between the teeth. 

When you reach your gums, curve the floss into a C-shape so it enters the space between the gumline and tooth. Repeat this process for every tooth in your mouth.

Don’t:

Reuse sections of floss.

Don't be stingy with the floss. If you reuse sections of the thread, you’ll end up transferring bacteria between teeth instead of removing it. Break off at least 18 to 24 inches of filament and wrap most of it around one finger while holding the other end with the opposite hand. As you move from one tooth to the next, wrap the used sections around a finger on that hand. 

Stop if gums bleed.

If your gums start to bleed when you floss, you might worry that you’re hurting yourself and stop. However, bleeding is likely the result of failing to do this task regularly. If you don't do it daily, bacteria and plaque will build up along the gumline and cause inflammation. As you floss more frequently, irritation should subside, and you’ll stop bleeding. However, if it doesn't stop after incorporating it into your oral care routine, talk to a dentist about other common causes.

Keep your smile healthy and bright with regular visits to Holly Family Dentistry, PLLC - William A. Pfeifer, DDS, in Centennial, CO. Their dedicated team provides a range of services, including general and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a dental implant, you can rely on them to provide phenomenal care. This office offers cutting-edge technology and techniques, such as DIAGNOdent™, Air Abrasion, and WaterlaseMD™. Call (303) 850-7614 to schedule an appointment with the experienced dentist, and visit them online to learn more.