Tips for Improving your Flossing

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Along with brushing and regular dental checkups, flossing is one of the cornerstones of an effective oral hygiene regimen. Ideally, you should flossing at least twice a day, after you have finished brushing.

You might prefer to use waxed dental floss, if the spaces between your teeth are tight. The waxy coating helps the floss slide into tough spaces easier than unwaxed floss.

Keep in mind that flossing is more than simply running a piece of dental floss, between your teeth. The spaces between your teeth are only one of many parts of your mouth that benefit from flossing. The gum line itself is a critical battleground between a healthy mouth and the rigors of chronic gum disease.

After you have finished brushing your teeth, you should cut off a section of floss roughly 16 to 18 inches long. Wrap the excess floss around your middle fingers.

Use a firm grip to hold a small section of floss between your thumb and index fingers. Work the floss around your teeth in a U shape and gently work it into the space between your gum line and the tooth. Carefully use the floss to remove any food particles or unseen plaque from the gums. On larger teeth like molars this might require three motions to focus on the rear and front of the gum line.

Keep in mind that you also want to floss behind your back teeth. This is an area that is easily forgotten about, but can just as easily harbor plaque.

If you have questions about your flossing technique please feel free to call us at 801-295-7171 or ask the hygienist at your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you!