How to Properly Floss

Flossing Techniques to Work into Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Flossing properly helps remove food particles and plaque from places in the teeth that a traditional toothbrush cannot reach. These areas include between the teeth and under the gum line. Plaque buildup can cause gum disease and tooth decay, which is the reason daily flossing is recommended by dental professionals. While getting into the habit of flossing daily is part of the challenge, so it knowing how to properly floss in order to ensure plaque is being removed effectively.

Proper Flossing Techniques

In order to receive the highest benefit from your daily flossing routine, you need to use the right techniques. Below are some tips that may help you floss more effectively:

• Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap the majority of it around the middle finger on each hand, leaving about one to two inches of floss to work with inside the mouth.
• Hold the floss firmly between your index finger and thumb and gently slide the floss up and down between teeth.
• Curve the floss around the base of the tooth, gently making sure the floss goes below the gum line.
• Never force or snap the floss, as this can bruise or cut the gums.
• Make sure to use a clean section of floss on each tooth.
• When removing the floss, use the same up and down motion, moving the floss away from the gums and up toward the top of the tooth.

Using the Right Floss

With the number of options for dental floss on the market today, it can be hard to decide the best choice for your particular oral needs. Generally, there are two major types of floss to choose from – PTFE (or monofilament) floss and nylon (or multifilament) floss. Nylon floss also comes in two varieties – waxed or non-waxed – and also comes in a variety of flavors. Nylon floss is composed of many strands of nylon, which can cause it to fray or shred when used, especially between teeth that are tight together.

PTFE floss is more expensive, but it slides more easily between teeth and tight spaces – since this floss is a single strand, it is basically shred proof as well. Regardless of what type of floss you choose, as long as it is used by following the proper techniques, both varieties are very effective.

If you or a member of your family has questions about flossing techniques and dental health, you can always sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all of your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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