Macomb County Dentist, Dr Apsey Gives Flossing Tips

Flossing Technique: How to Properly Floss Your Teeth

Some of the issues we commonly see at our Macomb County dentist office are a result of people not properly flossing their teeth. It is often due to improper technique or a simple lack of diligence, but either way, it is a problem. Plaque buildup on teeth enamel and along the gum line is the leading cause of periodontal disease and many other issues that can affect your teeth. Your dental health is a critical element of your overall health; if it is compromised, you will oftentimes see other issues occur as a result.

Being consistent with brushing, flossing your teeth, and seeing your dentist regularly will help prevent problems and catch them while they are treatable. Below we’ll walk through some of the basics of how to floss for optimal health.

1. Choose good floss. There are many types of dental floss to choose from, but the basic types are made from nylon, teflon or polyethylene. The most common is nylon and if you buy generic floss, you are most likely using this kind. The other varieties tend to be stronger and more durable but also cost a bit more. The key here is to find a thickness of floss that will comfortably make contact with as much tooth/gum surface as possible.

2. Be consistent. Above anything else, consistency is going to be your best friend when it comes to flossing. There is some debate about how often one should floss but we’ll defer to the The American Dental Association on this one. They recommend flossing at a minimum of once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Some people will need more work, and discussing this with your dentist is the best way to know how often you should floss.

3. Use proper technique. Starting with about 15 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of slack to work with. Holding the floss so it is tight between your fingers, slide it up-and-down between your teeth. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Be firm but not aggressive as this may cut or inflame delicate gum tissue. Use clean sections of floss and methodically move throughout your mouth. To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion (like a saw) to bring the floss up and away from the teeth.

Everyone’s dental health is different, so knowing your own needs is important when forming your hygiene habits. But if you have good floss, employ proper technique, and are consistent, you will reap the benefits, and have happy teeth to show for it.