Today, the team at Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry is focusing on a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of oral hygiene – flossing.

Many of us know we should floss, but not everyone is clear on the why and how of this essential dental care practice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flossing, ensuring that your technique is effective and your oral health is top-notch.

Why Flossing is Essential

Flossing isn’t just a supplementary oral care habit; it’s a necessity. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets between them, where your toothbrush can’t reach. It helps remove plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Flossing also plays a vital role in keeping your breath fresh and preventing tartar build-up.

Choosing the Right Floss

Before diving into techniques, let’s talk about the right tools. There are various types of dental floss available:

• Unwaxed Floss: Thin and easy to slide between tightly spaced teeth but can fray easily.
• Waxed Floss: Slightly thicker with a smooth coating, making it stronger and easier to handle.
• Dental Tape: Broader and flatter than standard floss, ideal for wider spaces between teeth.
• Water Flossers: A great alternative for those who find traditional flossing challenging. They use a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line.

Step-by-Step Flossing Technique

Now, let’s get into the technique. Proper flossing involves more than just moving a string between your teeth. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Start with a Good Length: Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, and the rest around the same finger on the other hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
2. Hold it Right: Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss in between. Use a gentle rocking motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Don’t snap it into the gums.
3. The Right Motion: Curve the floss into a ‘C’ shape against one tooth and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this on the neighboring tooth.
4. Don’t Forget the Back Teeth: Make sure you get the floss behind the last teeth in each corner of your mouth. These areas are often neglected but are just as important.
5. Be Thorough but Gentle: Flossing too hard can harm your gums, and flossing too lightly can leave plaque behind. The key is to be thorough yet gentle.
6. Use a Clean Section for Each Tooth: As you move from tooth to tooth, unroll a fresh section of floss from your finger.

The Best Time to Floss

There’s some debate about the best time to floss – before or after brushing. The truth is, the most important thing is that you floss regularly, regardless of the order. However, flossing before brushing might allow the fluoride from your toothpaste to better reach between your teeth.

Flossing for Children

Introducing flossing to kids is crucial for developing good oral hygiene habits. Start as soon as two teeth touch each other. You can use floss picks or holders to make it easier for them to floss.

Flossing Tips for Braces or Dental Work

For those with braces, bridges, or other dental work, flossing can be a bit more challenging. Floss threaders are a handy tool that can help navigate floss around wires and brackets. If you have a bridge or dental implants, a water flosser may be a good investment.

Common Flossing Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Flossing: The most common mistake is not flossing at all. Make it a daily habit.
• Flossing Too Hard: This can damage your gums, leading to bleeding and swelling.
• Not Flossing Thoroughly: Take your time with each tooth to ensure you’re removing as much plaque and debris as possible.

Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry: Here to Help

At Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry, we’re passionate about your oral health. Our team is always here to provide guidance, answer your flossing queries, or demonstrate proper techniques during your visit.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Whether you need a routine check-up, have concerns about your flossing technique, or want to discuss other aspects of your oral health, we’re here for you. Contact Erin Mills Smiles Dentistry to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life!