Dentists recommend flossing for at least two to three minutes to minimize plaque and the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, it’s estimated that only about a third of all Americans make this a daily habit, and of those, many make basic mistakes. If you’re looking for ways to improve your dental hygiene routine, take a look at some steps to take and some to avoid when flossing.

Do:

Floss around the whole tooth.

Once you have the floss positioned between your teeth, wrap it tightly around each tooth in a C-shape and move it gently back and forth to clean the whole surface. Make sure you get below the gumline, or the area where the gum meets the teeth, as this is where a substantial amount of contamination will become lodged.

If you have to work the floss into a tight space, pull it out from the bottom rather than back through the top to avoid getting loose fibers stuck. This can also save you an unexpected trip to the dentist to repair or restore any fillings you might pull loose.

Use plenty of floss.

One common error is using a length of floss only a few inches long. Doing this increases the likelihood that you’ll simply spread food particles and plaque around, rather than removing it. Instead, use a segment about 18 inches long, taking care to move to a new section for each interdental area as you work.

Don’t:

Floss aggressively.

It may be tempting to vigorously run your piece of floss back and forth between your teeth. However, rather than cleaning your teeth more quickly or thoroughly, this will only irritate the gums. The more you practice, the better and faster you’ll get at flossing.

Stop if you see blood.

It can be alarming to start flossing only to spit out blood. However, this is actually a sign that you should be flossing, as it’s often a warning that you have the earliest stages of gum disease. With time, your gums will strengthen and become less sensitive, and you should stop seeing blood after several sessions of flossing.

Whether you have questions about dental hygiene or you’re in need of a checkup or treatment, you can turn to Kevin L. Ragsdale, D.D.S. of Dalton, GA. Serving patients since 1985, Dr. Ragsdale and his team work to ensure their patients feel relaxed while offering top-quality care. Their services range from routine examinations to cleanings, teeth whitening, and more. Call (706) 275-6631 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online for more information on what to expect from your first visit.