We’ve found that flossing can be the most underutilized tool for keeping teeth and gums healthy. There are many patients that view flossing as an additional step to brushing when in reality, flossing is just as important as brushing teeth. This isn’t surprising when you consider that 31% of Americans floss less than daily and 18.5% of Americans do not floss at all, according to the American Dental Association. Flossing is an important aspect of oral hygiene and forgetting to floss can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss. Dental implants are a great option for those of you out there dealing with tooth loss. However, your dental hygiene routine is important whether you have dental implants or natural teeth. Today, Dr. Andrew Mortensen explains flossing to his patients here in the Fountain Valley, CA area.
Steps to Properly Floss
It’s recommended to floss at least once per day to remove the bacteria and plaque in areas a toothbrush can’t reach. For the best results, here’s the proper method for flossing your teeth.
- Use around 18 inches of floss and wrap each end around your fingers
- Hold the floss taut to best get in between teeth
- Move the floss in between teeth and gently curve the floss to remove bacteria beneath the gum line
- As you move from tooth to tooth, use different sections of the floss
- Use back-and-forth motion to remove floss from between teeth
Types of Floss
There are plenty of floss options on the market to keep your pearly whites sparkling. There isn’t an ideal floss that will work for everyone and it’s important to consider the spacing of your teeth when picking out floss. Here are some of the common options to pick from:
- Waxed Floss: This is a great option for tightly spaced teeth because the coating of wax makes it easier to get in between teeth. It also comes in different flavors and is more sturdy than unwaxed floss.
- Unwaxed Floss: This floss is great because it’s easier to maneuver than other options and doesn’t have any taste to it.
- Floss Picks: For those who don’t want to use two hands to hold the floss tightly, the pick will do it for you. Floss picks are a great convenient option for those who claim flossing takes too much effort.
- Oral Irrigators: Like regular flossing, oral irrigators remove bacteria and plaque that can hide away between teeth. Oral irrigators used pulsating water to clean teeth rather than regular floss.
Why Should you Floss?
- Clean the surface of teeth and between teeth
- Avoid cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay
- Avoid bad breath
- Make teeth look whiter
- Avoid expensive dental bills for intensive dental treatment
Contact our Office
It’s not hard to see why flossing is so crucial for your oral health. Taking the time to floss at least once per day can save you the trouble of tooth decay and tooth loss. If you find yourself in this predicament currently, consider dental implants as your perfect solution for tooth loss. To begin your dental implant process, contact our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.