Flossing is an indispensable ally in oral care. It masterfully deals with plaque and food remains in nooks and crannies that even the most agile toothbrushes cannot reach. This often underestimated, yet so important ritual can help you in the fight for a nice smile and general well-being. In this article you will lear how to properly floss your teeth!
How to floss your teeth properly?
For flossing to be effective, it is important to follow proper technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss your teeth properly:
- Remove the appropriate length of floss from the package. Use approximately 45-50 cm of dental floss, wrapping its ends around the middle fingers of both hands.
- Insert the floss into your mouth. Gently place the floss between your teeth, using the dexterity of your thumbs and forefingers to guide it precisely.
- Wrap the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and gently move it up and down until it reaches the gum line.
- Repeat the process for each interdental space, using a clean length of floss for each tooth.
How to floss your back teeth?
Flossing your back teeth may be more difficult due to limited access. The key is to keep the floss on your fingers so that you can gently and effectively reach those hard-to-reach places. It is worth using a longer length of floss than when cleaning front teeth. You can also use special thread holders that make it easier or buy ready-made sticks with fixed thread.
How to floss your teeth with braces?
People wearing braces should take special care in flossing because braces create additional places where food particles and plaque can accumulate.
Use a special thread for braces that makes it easier to insert the thread under the brace wire. It is equipped with a stiff thread that allows it to be inserted under the camera. Floss lightly between your teeth and around the braces, being careful not to damage any of the components.
In addition to using special dental floss, there is also a method of „flossing” with water using an irrigator. This innovative device uses the power of a high-pressure water stream to effectively remove food debris and eliminate plaque. It reaches where a regular toothbrush cannot – between teeth and into the nooks and crannies of orthodontic appliances.
How often should you floss your teeth?
Ideally, flossing should be done once a day, preferably in the evening, to remove accumulated food particles and plaque . Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.
When to floss – before or after brushing?
Experts’ opinions are divided on this matter. On the one hand, flossing after brushing can serve as a complement to thorough washing. However, flossing before brushing allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to better penetrate the spaces between the teeth. Thus, it increases protection against tooth decay. The most important thing, however, is to practice both practices regularly, regardless of your order preference.
What are the benefits of flossing your teeth?
Flossing has many health benefits, both short and long term:
- Preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Regular flossing helps remove plaque, which is key to preventing gingivitis and tooth decay.
- Better oral hygiene: Flossing complements tooth brushing by reaching places a toothbrush cannot reach, providing a comprehensive cleaning of the entire mouth.
- Preventing bad breath. Food particles that accumulate between your teeth can cause bad breath. Regular flossing helps remove them, which helps keep your breath fresh.
- Better overall health. Regular flossing has a significant impact not only on your oral health, but also on your overall well-being. Regularly removing dental plaque is an important element of taking care of your oral health, the condition of which turns out to be related to the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes!
Don’t wait for tomorrow, take care of your smile today – start flossing regularly and open the door to a healthier life and a brighter smile!