No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, reaching all the plaque and food debris that reside under your gum line and in between your teeth is impossible. This is where flossing comes in. 

Importance of Flossing

Since we can’t possibly see all the little bits of food and plaque between our teeth, flossing can help us keep our smiles clean and healthy. Even if you brush twice a day for two minutes each session, ignoring the spaces between your teeth can harm your dental health over time. Flossing can help you remove plaque and food between your teeth, which will in turn prevent gingivitis, cavities, and periodontal disease.

Using dental floss can help you prevent gum disease and tooth decay because it will stimulate the gum, polish the tooth surfaces, prevent buildup of plaque, and reduce bleeding gums.

[Related: The Importance of Brushing and Flossing]

How to Floss Properly

In order to get the most out of your flossing session, and remove as much plaque and debris as possible, you need to make sure you are flossing properly. Here’s what we suggest:

• Gather about 15 to 20 inches of floss and wind it around your two pointer fingers. Leave a couple of inches in the middle to floss with.
• Slide the floss gently between your teeth.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and gently move it up and down.
• Be sure to go below your gum line without excessive force.
• Use a new section of floss as plaque and food debris build up.

If your gums are red and inflamed, you may see some bleeding when you floss. However, if you continue your routine of flossing and brushing properly each day, the bleeding should stop after a few days. Your gums will look pink and healthier.

Don’t Over-floss

Don’t floss more than once or twice a day, unless you’re trying to remove a piece of food from in between your teeth. Over-flossing or flossing with too much pressure can cause damage to your gum tissue and destroy your gum line.

[Related: Manual vs. Electric Toothbrush: Which One Should You Choose?]

Contact Cascadia Dental Specialists Today!

For more information on flossing, or to schedule your regular exam and cleaning appointment, contact Cascadia Dental Specialists today.