Are you on top of your oral health? Research shows that people who floss their teeth daily tend to have less plaque, lower decay levels, and better periodontal health. Plus, an annual dental routine check-up can give you peace of mind.
When flossing, it’s easy to forget which teeth you’ve gone over. Plus, it’s easy to forget which way to go.
If you’re confused about how to floss your teeth correctly, here are 5 mistakes to avoid.
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1. Overflossing
One mistake to avoid is over-flossing, which can irritate delicate gum tissue and even cause infections. When done right, flossing should not cause any pain or irritation.
Start by taking a long piece of dental floss, about 18 inches, and gently slide it between your teeth, using an up and down motion to clean away plaque and food particles. Make sure to wrap the floss around each tooth, making a “C” shape. Gently slide the floss up to clean the plaque and food particles away from the gum line.
If you feel any pain or discomfort, reduce the intensity and duration of flossing. If you’re having trouble flossing, you can check out this dentist for tips and techniques.
2. Flossing Too Quickly
Flossing should be done slowly, with gentle pressure. Moving too quickly can cause damage to the gums, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Spend a few minutes flossing all your teeth, and remember to use new floss for each tooth. Doing this helps to avoid infection and to keep your gums healthy.
3. Forgetting to Floss the Back Teeth
Forgetting to floss the back teeth is one of the most common mistakes. It is easy to forget these teeth because they are the hardest to reach but flossing them is just as important as the front.
You can use an angled flossing tool to help reach further back. When you finish a section, pull out the floss and move to the next gap, wiping off the floss on a Clean part before re-inserting it. Flossing the back teeth regularly helps to reduce plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
4. Choosing the Wrong Floss
When choosing a floss, look carefully at the type of floss, structure, and packaging. If you have wider gaps between your teeth, look for thicker and more durable floss like wax-coated floss. Choose tape floss if your teeth are close together to ensure the floss won’t cut your gums.
Avoid using string floss, as this type usually doesn’t have enough grip to remove trapped food or plaque and can injure your gums or damage the teeth.
5. Ignoring Regular Flossing
Ignoring regular flossing is one of the biggest mistakes people make when properly caring for their oral health. It is important to remember to floss at least once a day for thorough cleaning. Neglecting to floss can cause plaque and other bacteria to build up, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Avoid These Mistakes and Learn How to Floss Your Teeth Properly
Flossing your teeth properly can help you to have a healthy, attractive, and confident smile. Remember to floss all surfaces of your teeth daily, but don’t floss too hard or too vigorously. Doing so can cause pain and damage to your gums.
Contact your local dentist today for more dental hygiene tips on proper flossing and tooth care.
If you found this guide on how to floss your teeth helpful, please check out some of the other great content on our site.
