Flossing is one of the main and most important steps when it comes to oral hygiene. Flossing helps to remove all particles between our teeth that our toothbrush may have left behind. Here, our Vancouver dentists discuss the reason why flossing is so important and what the different flossing tools are to make flossing simple.
It doesn't matter what you've eaten or who you are, you can be sure that throughout the day many particles of food, even if they cannot be seen, have become trapped in your teeth.
Since toothbrushes cannot reach some of the smallest areas in our mouths, flossing is essential for removing buildup and preventing gum disease and cavities. Although toothbrushes are our primary line of defense against dental hygiene issues, they are still unable to reach certain areas.
There are various types of floss and flossing tools available on the market today. Here, our Vancouver dentists share some of the various types of floss and flossing tools available for this important oral hygiene practice.
Flossing Using Traditional Floss
The technique you utilize while flossing, whether waxed or unwaxed, will affect its effectiveness.
First, wrap around eighteen lengths of floss around your fingers. Next, carefully move the floss up and down between your teeth. Wrap the floss over each tooth in a "C" shape to ensure it extends below your gum line.
Regular floss, when used appropriately, should be able to clean up the majority of the bacteria left behind in your teeth after brushing.
Flossing With Easy To Hold Floss Picks
Using floss picks makes flossing more convenient and easy because you only need one hand to handle them. Although flossing with one hand is easier, it is not as effective as flossing with two hands.
Floss picks do not allow you to reach all of the angles that conventional floss does; therefore, you will not be able to properly clean your teeth.
Regular floss is preferable to floss picks because they can't reach everywhere, but if you don't have access to traditional floss, they'll suffice.
Flossing Using a Waterpik
The Waterpik Water Flosser is a creative device that "flosses" your teeth and gums with a spray of pressured water.
The Waterpik device is simple to use; simply run the flosser tip along the gum line and let the water remove any plaque or food particles.
Flossing with the Waterpik Water Flosser can also assist in reaching problematic places and make flossing easier for people who have braces or other forms of dental work.
When You Should Be Sure To Floss
While it is critical to floss on a regular and consistent basis, it is entirely possible to floss too much and irritate your gums.
Along with your twice-daily tooth brushing, you should also make time for one decent flossing session per day, preferably at the end of the day.