Are you into flossing your teeth? One of the best ways to achieve good oral health and oral hygiene is by proper flossing. It helps remove debris and plaque from tight spaces between your teeth that a simple brushing cannot reach.
You should not only focus on daily flossing, but also how to do it the right way. While it is simple to slide some string between your teeth, there are some common practices you should avoid to maximize the benefits of flossing.
According to a Fountain Hills dentist, these are common flossing mistakes that you need to avoid:
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Flossing After Brushing Teeth
Some people floss their teeth right after they brush, thinking that it can clean their teeth even more. However, flossing before you brush your teeth is better than doing it afterward.
That is because floss can remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth. After you floss, fluoride toothpaste will have a greater impact with teeth as you brush them. In return, you can provide your teeth with better protection against cavities or tooth decay.
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Putting Pressure on the Gums
The main purpose of flossing is to get rid of plaque from the sides of your teeth. When you floss, reaching the hard-to-get areas is possible. When flossing the bottom teeth, it is important to move the plaque upwards with each movement. If you are flossing the top teeth, ensure to bring the plaque down and out of your mouth.
However, some people put pressure on their gums when flossing. Regular pressure on the gums with floss can cause lasting damage to the tissues.
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Flossing the Teeth Roughly
When flossing, ensure you get the plaque off your teeth. However, you also need to ensure that you are not flossing your teeth roughly. Make sure to always be gentle on your gums and teeth during the flossing session.
Unfortunately, using an incorrect technique can cause gum tissue irritation that can result in bleeding gums and possible gum recession. As a result, you might experience different dental health issues. So, take time to gently remove plaque and food particles from tight spaces between teeth.
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Staying Above the Gum Line
Don’t be afraid to floss 2-3mm below your gum line. This helps to remove bacteria that could contribute to gum disease (such as periodontal disease and gingivitis) and compromise the health of your teeth.
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Using the Same Floss Section
Flossing is one way to remove bacteria below the gum line and between the teeth effectively. If you use the same floss section for all your teeth, you are actually spreading bacteria throughout your mouth.
Using the same floss section can still remove the plaque. However, using a new floss section each time you floss between teeth can remove plaque without spreading bacteria.
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Using the Wrong Floss
There are several different types of dental floss. Do you have braces? Do you have a dental appliance? Do you have restorations? They have special floss for multiple scenarios.
Some of the different types of dental floss include: waxed floss, unwaxed floss, floss pick, water flosser (waterpik), interdental brushes, and floss threaders. Doing some research before you head to the store allows you to see what types of floss may work best for you.
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Flossing at the Wrong Time
Did you know that nighttime is when saliva production slows down? This means you will have less liquid in your mouth, which is necessary for rinsing bacteria while you sleep. Going to bed with clean teeth is essential.
If you floss your teeth in the morning, making it part of your nighttime routine is even more beneficial.
Conclusion
Besides brushing your teeth, flossing is another way to get rid of plaque and food particles. However, you need to make sure that you are doing it correctly. If you want to learn more about proper flossing technique and taking care of your oral health, you can look for a dentist near you or visit a Fountain Hills dentist.