Flossing is an often overlooked part of dental hygiene that's not only encouraged but also necessary. If you want to improve your oral health and keep the dentist happy during an annual check-up, you should make it a habit to floss daily. Here's what to know about this practice and the proper way to do it.

Why Is Flossing Important?

While brushing your teeth is essential to a dental care routine, it doesn't fully eliminate the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. If the sticky biofilm remains, it can harden into tartar and wear away at the enamel. Consequently, the teeth become vulnerable to decay.

Using floss to clean the tight spaces between each tooth lowers the chances of cavities forming. This habit also keeps your gums healthy by removing bacteria, which helps prevent periodontal disease. As a result, each visit to the dentist can become quick and easy, and you greatly increase the chance of retaining your adult teeth in old age.

How Do You Floss Properly?

There is a proper technique when it comes to flossing. Using your thumb and index finger, place the floss between each tooth. Then, pull the string up and down. 

While you must avoid pushing it into the gums, you should reach that space where the teeth and soft tissue meet. This technique ensures any stuck particles of food will come out. For the best dental care, floss before brushing.

Flossing can seem difficult if you have braces, but it is even more important in this situation. That's because there are more hard-to-reach spaces due to the brackets and wires in your mouth. To begin, thread the floss between your teeth and the main wire. Avoid using too much pressure when pulling the floss out, as it can accidentally cause a bracket to pop off. 

You can maintain proper oral hygiene by flossing once a day and routinely visiting the dentists at Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK. This family practice offers various cosmetic and general dentistry treatments, including dental crowns, bridges, extractions, and teeth whitening, to help perfect your smile and keep it healthy. Call (907) 258-3384 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their preventative services.