You probably hate flossing like most people. But trust us, this extra work will actually save your teeth and gums on the long run. 

It’s time for bed – you’re exhausted, and already did your part by brushing your teeth. Why bother with that extra flossing?

It’s been proven that flossing removes up to 40% of plaque and bacteria that sit around in your mouth. In fact, acid builds up on your teeth because of the plaque – which can cause gum disease, gum irritation, and cavities. Unlike a toothbrush, a thread of floss can really get into those hard-to-reach areas and clean out your teeth.

 

Pick the right floss for your teeth.

Floss is usually made of either nylon or Teflon, and can be either wide or thin. Depending on the condition of your teeth, you’ll need to pick the most effective floss. For example, if you have spaced-out teeth or suffer from gum recession, it’s best to use wider threads. However, teeth that are closer together or crowded are best cleaned using thin floss.

 

Don’t worry about a little bleeding.

Some people worry about what happens after they first start flossing: the gums might bleed a little. That’s perfectly normal, and it’s usually caused by a build-up of plaque that can irritate the gums and inflame them. But don’t let that stop you! Keep flossing for a few more days and the bleeding will stop (this means you would’ve cleaned out the plaque). If, however, your gums keep bleeding for a longer time, it’s best to consult your dentist.

 

How to floss, properly.

The steps are easy. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use a piece of floss that’s about 45 cm long
  2. Wrap the thread around your forefingers and stabilize it with your thumbs
  3. Glide the floss between your teeth in a gentle rocking motion
  4. When you hit the gum line, fold the floss into a “c” shape and guide it in an up and down motion
  5. As you begin, move away from your gum and to hit all sides of your tooth
  6. Make sure you floss all teeth (front and back)
  7. Use the same flossing pattern all throughout to not miss any teeth

 

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/still-not-flossing-more-reasons-why-you-should#2
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/dental-health/why-should-i-use-dental-floss/

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