Flossing 101 : Essential Tips from a Dentist in Chromepet
Dr. Janani, BDS | 10th December, 2024
What is Flossing?....and do I really need to Floss?
To start with, teeth have 5 surfaces of which 3 can be cleaned with brushing, while the other 2 surfaces are quite hidden and require dental floss to help remove food particles and deposits.
Flossing is the process of using a thin, flexible piece of string (dental floss) to clean between your teeth and along the gum-line.
Flossing Tips:
Use Enough Floss: Use 18 inches of dental floss.
Hold the Floss: Wrap ends around your fingers, leaving only 2 inches to work with.
Use Clean Sections : Move to a new section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria.
Floss Daily : Aim for once a day, ideally before bed.
Proper Technique: Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide it between your teeth, forming a “C” shape around each tooth.
Floss all Teeth : Don't skip the back teeth.
Be Gentle: Slide the floss carefully between teeth without snapping.
Reach the Gum Line: Make sure to floss just below the gum line.
Do not Force It: Avoid damaging gums by using gentle pressure.
Try Alternatives : If traditional flossing is hard, floss picks or water flossers can be good enough alternatives.
