Flossing Correctly: Dentists Reveal Their Most Effective Methods for Maintaining Oral Hygiene
🦷 Flossing 101: Secrets Your Dentist Wants You to Know 🦷
vita 👍 Flossing might be familiar territory, but did you know it's more important than you think? Here's what you should know 💭
Unseen Territories: Your Teeth's Hidden Realm
Brushing alone can't clean all your teeth's surfaces - they have five! Only three of those surfaces get cleaned by brushing. The rest? That's where flossing comes in 🧻 When you skip flossing, you miss out on cleaning 40% of your tooth surfaces, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate 😨 Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease 💦
Flossing Techniques: Choose the Right Fit
following Michelle Jorgensen, a dentist in Utah, there are two accepted ways to floss: the spool method and the loop method 🏋️♀️
The Spool Method:
Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers and guide it with your thumbs and index fingers. This allows you to use a clean section for each new space, preventing bacterial cross-contamination 🧽
The Loop Method:
Tie the floss in a circle. Both methods work, the choice depends on preference and comfort 🤗
Pro tip: The spool method offers better control and is generally easier for kids or those with limited dexterity 💭
The Perfect "C" Shape: Floss Like a Pro
Regardless of your chosen method, the key is to make a "C" shape around each tooth 🌐 Be sure to use plenty of floss - roughly 18 inches - and gently guide it between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion 😌 Once you reach the gum line, form a "C" shape around one side of the tooth and gently rub with an up-and-down motion 🤚
Not All Floss is Created Equal
The type of floss used makes a huge difference! People with tightly spaced teeth may find thin floss more effective at loosening particles. Larger gaps may require thicker floss or interproximal flossers 🛠️
Individuals with braces, wide gaps, or other dental devices can benefit from mini floss brushes, designed to clean hard-to-reach areas 🛢️
Timing is Everything: Floss Before or After Brushing
Growing up, you may have been taught to floss after brushing to catch any leftovers. But technically, there's no correct sequence ⏱️ You can floss before or after brushing, as long as you're doing it properly and reaching those areas that your toothbrush can't 🤺Flossing beforehand might help dislodge food particles and plaque 🤧
important Efficient flossing hinges on choosing the right floss for your specific tooth spacing, whether it's flat unwaxed floss, waxed floss, dental tape, expanding floss, or dental tape. The best method depends on your oral environment and personal preferences. Don't shy away from experimenting to find the perfect fit 🎯
bottom line Flossing is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy oral environment, so be sure to make it a part of your daily routine 🦷 également Sources:
[1] Smith, M., D.D.S. "The Importance of Flossing." Colgate, 14 Feb. 2017, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-treatments-and-procedures/the-importance-of-flossing.
[2] Fahmy, R. "What Type of Dental Floss Is the Best? | How to Floss." BriteSmile, www.britesmile.com/blog/articles/the-importance-of-flossing/.
[3] "MouthHealthy Flossing Tips and Techniques - American Dental Association." ADA Mouth Healthy, mouthhealthy.ada.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing_tips_and_techniques.
[4] Kahn, A. "5 Types of Floss: Which one is best for you?" Healthline, 20 July 2017, www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/types-of-floss.
[5] Frisbie, A. "Floss Types and How to Choose the Best One for Your Smile." ASDA For Members, ASDA, 8 Nov. 2019, formembers.asdaweb.org/article/floss-types-and-how-to-choose-the-best-one-for-your-smile.
- According to the science of health-and-wellness, flossing is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy oral environment, as brushing alone only cleans three of the five surfaces of each tooth, leaving 40% unattended and allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate.
- Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, a dentist in Utah, suggests two accepted methods for flossing: the spool method and the loop method, both proven effective but with the spool method offering better control and ease for kids or those with limited dexterity.
- Not all floss types are equal; people with tightly spaced teeth may find thin floss or dental tape more effective, while individuals with braces, wide gaps, or other dental devices might benefit from mini floss brushes or specialized flossers.
- Efficient flossing hinges on choosing the right floss for your specific tooth spacing, whether it's flat unwaxed floss, waxed floss, dental tape, expanding floss, or dental tape. The best method depends on your oral environment and personal preferences – don't be afraid to experiment to find the perfect fit.
- Flossing can be done before or after brushing, as long as you're doing it properly and reaching those areas that your toothbrush can't. Flossing beforehand might help dislodge food particles and plaque, making it even more important for maintaining overall health and wellness.
