6 Helpful Tips to Floss Your Teeth Better

6-tips-to-better-tooth-flossing

Dreading the F Word (Floss)

Do you belong to the group of individuals who recognize the importance of flossing but struggle to make it a regular part of their dental routine?

Rest assured, you’re not alone.

While the concept of flossing may seem straightforward, achieving effective cleaning between your teeth demands proper technique, consistent practice, and the establishment of a habitual routine. Those who incorporate regular flossing into their lives often enjoy a host of dental benefits, including reduced instances of cavities and gum disease, leading to fewer visits to the dentist. In the following article, we present six invaluable tips for enhancing your flossing technique, empowering you to do it more frequently, efficiently, and confidently.

Table of Contents

The Significance of Flossing for Your Oral Health

Flossing isn’t just a recommended practice; it’s a critical component of maintaining optimal oral hygiene. Here’s why:

  • Plaque Removal: Dental plaque, a soft amalgamation of bacteria, food particles, and debris, accumulates around your teeth. Over time, if left unchecked, this plaque can solidify into stubborn deposits called calculus (or tartar). Calculus is incredibly challenging to remove without professional intervention during a dental cleaning.
  • Gingivitis Prevention: The chronic inflammation of gums, known as gingivitis, can significantly elevate the risk of tooth loss. While brushing your teeth twice daily is undeniably crucial for oral hygiene, it alone cannot shield you from gum disease and potential tooth loss.
  • Preventing Tooth Decay: Flossing reaches the tight spaces between your teeth where toothbrushes often can’t access. By removing trapped food particles and plaque, it helps prevent the formation of cavities in these hard-to-reach areas.
  • Fresher Breath: Flossing not only removes plaque but also reduces the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. This, in turn, leads to fresher breath and can help combat halitosis (bad breath).
  • Cost Savings: Preventative dental care, such as daily flossing, can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for costly dental procedures to address issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Flossing is a non-negotiable aspect of oral health, and its advantages extend far beyond mere aesthetics. By committing to this simple yet vital practice, you can safeguard your teeth, prevent gum disease, and ensure a lasting, healthy smile throughout your life.

Tip #1: Master the Art of Proper Flossing Technique

Flossing, a fundamental dental skill, is oddly absent from school curricula. Moreover, how often does your dentist dedicate precious time to impart the wisdom of flossing? Almost never. Many people resort to hastily snapping the floss in and out between their teeth, unaware of the potential harm it can cause, including gum cuts and bleeding.

flossing_technique_1

To start, cut a piece of dental floss approximately 12 to 18 inches long. Securely wrap it around your index fingers, or if you have your own comfortable method of holding it, that’s perfectly fine too, as long as you maintain 1 to 2 inches of taut floss between your fingers.

flossing_technique_2

Using your thumbs, gently guide the floss through the tight space between two teeth. Avoid forcefully snapping it between your teeth, as this can lead to gum irritation and bleeding.

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Embrace the curvature of one tooth on either side of the contact point, ensuring the floss hugs the contours. Employ a gentle rubbing and gliding motion as you move the floss up and down the tooth’s surface and beneath the gum line. This action effectively scrapes away any lingering bacteria, food particles, and debris.

flossing_technique_4

Once you’ve completed this side, reposition the floss around the adjacent tooth and repeat the gentle gliding process to ensure a thorough clean both above and below the gumline.

Finally, extract the floss from between the teeth and advance to the next contact point in your mouth.

Tip #2: Select the Perfect Floss for Your Needs

GUM Butlerweave dental floss

When it comes to flossing, the market offers a plethora of floss materials to choose from, each with its own advantages. To learn more, take a look at our Dental Floss Guide!

Nylon floss is the most common and budget-friendly option available. However, some individuals may find it challenging to navigate between their teeth with nylon floss, and it can be prone to shredding.

If the frustration of tearing floss gets the best of you, consider switching to waxed nylon floss or PTFE floss. PTFE, also known as Polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon, is exceptionally resistant to shredding, providing a smoother flossing experience.

For those environmentally conscious individuals seeking a biodegradable option, silk floss is an excellent choice. It not only helps you maintain a healthy smile but also leaves a smaller ecological footprint as it readily biodegrades.

By selecting the right floss material that suits your preferences and needs, you can enhance your flossing experience and contribute to better oral health.

Tip #3: Simplify Flossing with Dental Flossers

Sunstar GUM Flossers

For some individuals, flossing poses unique challenges. Whether due to hand issues like arthritis, a lack of dexterity, or a hectic daily schedule, finding time for traditional flossing can be a struggle. If you resonate with any of these scenarios, consider introducing Dental Flossers into your oral care routine.

Dental flossers are ingenious C-shaped plastic tools equipped with floss between the arms of the “C” and a convenient handle. They offer a practical solution, enabling you to effortlessly thread floss between your teeth with just one hand and minimal hand-eye coordination.

Much like traditional flossing, the technique remains the same with dental flossers. Glide the floss strand within the flosser against the tooth’s side, gently moving it up and down the tooth’s surface and beneath the gumline. Additionally, most dental flossers come equipped with a toothpick feature on the opposite end, perfect for dislodging any substantial food particles, such as meat, caught between your teeth.

It’s crucial to remember that dental flossers are designed for single-use only. After each use, dispose of the flosser to ensure your continued oral health and hygiene.

Tip #4: Effortless Flossing in Challenging Situations with Floss Threaders

floss_threader_flosssing-tips

For those with lingual wires discreetly bonded to the back of their teeth, dental bridges replacing missing teeth, or orthodontic braces, the task of flossing can seem nearly impossible. Fortunately, there’s a practical solution: Floss Threaders.

Floss threaders are slender, flexible plastic needles, often crafted from nylon, specially designed to navigate the intricate spaces created by lingual wires, orthodontic wires, and dental bridges.

Here’s how to make the most of them:

  1. Insert one end of your dental floss approximately five inches into the loop of the threader.
  2. Carefully guide the floss threader under or over any dental appliance, whether it’s braces, a permanent retainer, or a bridge.
  3. Once the floss is in position, detach the threader from the floss.
  4. As you would with conventional floss, gently clean the sides of your teeth.

You can conveniently find floss threaders in the dental care section of nearly every grocery store or pharmacy. They are compatible with various types of floss. While many threaders are reusable, some are designed for single-use. If you opt for a reusable threader, remember to rinse it with warm water after each use to maintain its hygiene and effectiveness.

Tip #5: Elevate Your Oral Care with a Waterpik Water Flosser

Waterpik water flosser on bathroom counter

Enter the Waterpik Water Flosser, a beloved companion for dental aficionados. Think of it as a power washer for your teeth, harnessing the force of a high-velocity water jet to eradicate dental plaque effectively.

This remarkable device has demonstrated its prowess in reducing plaque buildup along the gum line and between teeth while aiding in the prevention and mitigation of gingivitis, often a precursor to more severe gum diseases.

By incorporating the Waterpik Water Flosser into your daily routine, you make a smart choice to enhance and sustain excellent oral health, particularly if traditional dental floss poses a challenge for you.

It’s essential to note that water flossers should not be seen as a complete substitute for dental floss. Instead, view them as valuable tools to complement your regular brushing and flossing regimen. Relying solely on water flossers without traditional flossing can still leave you susceptible to cavities between your teeth.

Using the Waterpik is a breeze. Simply plug it into an electrical socket near your sink, fill the reservoir with lukewarm water, and insert the nozzle into your mouth before turning on the device to prevent water splashing. You can customize the power setting to suit your comfort level as you gently cleanse the gum areas between each and every tooth.

Here’s an extra tip for an added disinfectant effect: You can dissolve some table salt or add two teaspoons of mouthwash to the warm water, creating a diluted mouthwash solution. This not only helps eliminate bacteria but also leaves you with a refreshing minty breath. After this step, ensure you thoroughly flush the Waterpik unit with warm water to remove any residual mouthwash.

For prolonged durability, I recommend opting for the Waterpik units with an electrical cord, as handheld or cordless versions tend to deplete their batteries relatively quickly over time.

Tip #6: Pair Flossing with Every Brush for a Brighter Smile

better_flossing_technique

I often share a simple mantra with my patients: “Floss the teeth you want to keep.” It’s a gentle reminder to prioritize your dental health and maintain that beautiful smile.

If you’re still committed to preserving your teeth, know that the initial stages of flossing might seem time-consuming and a bit of a chore. However, as you persist, you’ll find yourself improving and speeding up the process. In fact, some people discover a therapeutic and even enjoyable aspect to flossing over time.

If you’ve hesitated to floss in the past due to gum bleeding or discomfort, it’s important to recognize that this can be a sign of gingivitis, or gum inflammation. In such cases, increasing your flossing frequency is the solution. As you continue to floss regularly, you’ll likely experience reduced bleeding and discomfort. This is a sign that your gums are becoming healthier.

Here’s a resolution to consider: Incorporate flossing into every brushing session. Ideally, brushing after every meal is optimal, but if you find it more manageable to brush twice a day, then flossing twice a day is equally commendable. With time and consistency, flossing will become second nature, and you’ll begin to feel the tangible difference as your teeth and gums grow healthier and cleaner. Once you experience the benefits, you won’t want to go back to a non-flossing routine ever again!

Embrace Healthy Habits for a Lifetime of Dental Wellness

Achieving and maintaining excellent oral health is within reach for everyone, and it starts with simple yet powerful habits. From mastering proper flossing techniques to selecting the right floss material and utilizing tools like dental flossers and Waterpik Water Flossers, we’ve explored a range of strategies to enhance your oral care routine.

Remember that oral health is not just about a beautiful smile; it’s also about preventing dental issues that can impact your overall well-being. By following these tips and making them an integral part of your daily life, you can enjoy healthier teeth and gums, fresher breath, and the confidence of knowing that you are taking proactive steps to safeguard your dental future.

So, embrace these tips, make them habits, and remember that a little effort today can lead to a lifetime of radiant smiles and strong teeth. Your oral health journey begins with these simple yet transformative steps, and the benefits are truly worth the effort.

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