Good oral hygiene is essential for your overall health. Proper oral hygiene starts with brushing and flossing every day. Many people aren’t flossing correctly, which can result in decay between your teeth, bad breath, and “floss cuts” on your gums. According to Facts.net, when you avoid flossing, you’re not cleaning as much as 40% of your teeth! Here are some flossing tips your dentist wants you to use for cleaner teeth.

1. Do It Twice

According to the American Dental Association, along with brushing, you should floss at least twice a day. Another good practice is to floss after every meal, but it is especially important to floss before bed ensuring everything is off of your teeth before going to sleep. Being diligent about flossing helps get rid of those remaining food particles that brushing may not reach.

2. Do It Well

Good flossing technique starts with proper measuring. Start by breaking off about 18 inches of floss. Next, you should carefully wind most of the floss between your fingers. Remember to leave at least two inches of floss to clean between your teeth.

3. Use the Correct Motion

As you’re moving the floss between your teeth, be aware of how you’re doing so. If you’re too rough, you risk causing your gums to bleed. Gently move the floss up and down on each side of the tooth- like the shape of a Y. Keep the floss firmly held between your index finger and thumb.

4. Pick the Right Type

Have you noticed all the choices at the oral hygiene aisle at any pharmaceutical store? You see various options just for floss. Try using wax or unwaxed ones. If you want your floss to have a flavor like toothpaste, you can also get that type as well. If you don’t feel like breaking off floss daily and winding it around your fingers, there is a simple solution for you. Simply buy a pack of dental flossers that have picks on the end. Each floss pick has pre-threaded floss on it. Just make sure you don’t reuse the pick. If you have braces, you can also use a Waterpik flosser or a threader.

We want you to have clean and healthy teeth for years to come. One of the main ways you can do so is by practicing solid oral hygiene at home. In addition to your regular hygiene practices, remember to visit your local dentist at least twice a year. If you need assistance with your flossing techniques or other oral hygiene practices, make an appointment with us at Phillips & Schmitt today.