Why do you need to floss your teeth and how do you do it correctly? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions.
Why Should I Floss?
Many people think that flossing is an optional part of an oral hygiene routine, but nothing could be further from the truth. Flossing cleans about 40% of the surface of your teeth in areas between them that a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss can not only clean these areas, but under the gum line as well where bacteria can infect gum tissues. Flossing improves your dental health by preventing bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
How Should I Floss?
You should floss at least once a day, following these steps:
- Pull out 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap most of floss around one of your middle fingers and some around the other.
- Pinch the floss between your forefingers and thumbs.
- Gently rub the floss up between your teeth, being careful not to snap it against the gums.
- Slide the floss between the gum tissue and the tooth, curving it into a C-shape and pulling away from the gums.
- Rub the floss up and down, then repeat on the adjacent tooth.
- Wind up the dirty floss and unwind some clean floss.
- Clean between the rest of your teeth following the above steps.