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Top 5 Dentist Recommended Flossing Tips
Are you unsure about how to floss properly? Learn more about how to floss from these top 5 dentist-recommended flossing tips.
You search online for "dentist 33020". You finally find a dentist in Hollywood, FL. You're sitting in the chair getting your dental cleaning when your dentist asks, "How often do you floss?"
We all dread the moment when we have to confess we aren't flossing regularly.
But flossing isn't something you should be skipping. The CDC estimates that 47% of Americans over 30 have periodontal disease, which can be avoided with proper oral hygiene.
If you aren't sure whether you're doing the right thing when you're flossing, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn more about how you can make sure you're taking proper care of your teeth and gums.
Why Is Flossing Important?
It's not breaking news to most that flossing is important for your overall dental health. But flossing is more than just taking care of your teeth and gums. It is actually vital to maintaining your overall health.
Flossing regularly can help to prevent cavities, keep your breath fresh, and maintain a sparkling smile.
More importantly, regular flossing also helps to prevent periodontitis, which is also known as gum disease. When a build-up of bacteria in the gums causes periodontitis, teeth can loosen and even fall out.
In some cases, the bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream. It can lead to cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
Luckily, periodontitis is largely preventable with proper dental hygiene, including regular flossing.
Before you search for a "dental office near me", head to the drugstore and buy some floss. Here are five dentist-recommended tips to make sure you're getting the full benefits from flossing.
1. Choose the Right Floss
Generally, using any floss that is available is better than not flossing. But, there are some tips that can help to make your flossing more effective and enjoyable.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is on waxed vs unwaxed floss. With waxed floss, the threads are less likely to break apart and will glide nicely between teeth. It can also help when you need to squeeze between teeth that are close together.
There are also many flavors of floss available on the market. Flavored floss can make flossing more enjoyable and leave your teeth feeling fresher. In this case, it's a good idea to opt for a flavored option.
For the most part, you will want to skip the floss picks. They aren't as effective as sliding along your teeth to get a thorough clean.
However, they can be great to keep in your car or bag when you need something on the go. Just make sure that you are also flossing with traditional floss once you get home.
Most experts recommend using 18 inches of floss each time. This is a long for you to tightly wrap the floss around your fingers and use a clean section for each tooth.
2. Form a C-Shape
Once you have 18 inches of floss ready to go, it's time to talk about the right flossing technique. Most dentists will advise you to form a C-shape with your floss.
The goal of forming a C-shape while you are flossing is to cover as much surface area of the tooth as possible.
Flossing is not just about removing any plaque or bacteria in between your teeth. It also removes plaque on all surfaces of the tooth.
Start by wrapping both ends of the floss around your middle fingers. Hold the floss taut between your thumb and forefingers.
Then, gently glide the floss between your teeth. Form a C-shape around both teeth that you are flossing between. Gently move the floss up and down to help to remove any build-up on the surface of the tooth. Repeat for the rest of your teeth.
3. Be Thorough
When flossing, be thorough but gentle. You will want to get between each and every tooth.
People often omit their back teeth since they are harder to reach, but doing so just means that you are leaving your back teeth and gums vulnerable.
A little bit of bleeding is normal, especially when you are haven't flossed in a while. After about 1-2 weeks of flossing regularly, you should notice that the bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, you might be flossing too hard.
Generally, flossing should add about 60 seconds to your oral hygiene routine. If you find that you are spending less than 60 seconds, make sure that you are thoroughly flossing between each and every tooth.
4. Consistency Is Key
Flossing isn't just something you should do every once in a while or when you feel something between your teeth. You should be flossing at least once every single day.
In fact, flossing is even more important than brushing your teeth if you have to choose between the two. But of course, you should always aim to do both.
To help to remember to floss, keep your floss right next to your toothbrush and toothpaste. This will serve as a visual reminder to not skip flossing in your oral care routine.
Before you know it, flossing will be a regular part of your routine that you don't have to think about.
5. Don't Forget to See Your Dentist
Even if you are flossing once a day and brushing twice a day, you aren't optimizing your dental care unless you are making regular visits to the dentist.
Finding a trustworthy dentist near me is just as important as brushing and flossing. Take time when searching online for "dentist around me" to find the right dental office for you.
After finding the right dentist in 33020, make an appointment every six months for your cleaning. Some plaque build-up can only be removed by a professional.
Your dentist will also be able to spot early signs of gum disease and give you the guidance you need to take the best possible care of your mouth.
Find a Dentist in Hollywood, FL 33020 Today!
With regular flossing, a visit to the dentist is no longer something to dread. Put your health first and start flossing every day using the five tips in this guide.
Your search for the best dentist in Hollywood, FL, ends here. You can count on Smile On Us Dental to keep your teeth and gums healthy and give you the best smile of your life.
Request an appointment today and take the first step towards pearly whites.
