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 North Vancouver dentists discuss the reason why flossing is so important and what the different flossing tools are to make flossing simple.
Throughout the day, numerous food particles can get trapped in your teeth, regardless of what you've eaten or who you are.
Removing buildup and preventing gum disease and cavities is crucial, as toothbrushes are unable to access the smallest areas in our mouths. Toothbrushes, while effective in maintaining dental hygiene, may not be able to access all areas.
There are various types of floss and flossing tools available on the market today. Here, our North 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 effectiveness of flossing can be influenced by the technique you use, whether you prefer waxed or unwaxed floss.
Wrap eighteen lengths of floss around your fingers first. Next, move your teeth up and down between the floss with care. Make sure to wrap the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape, reaching below the gum line.
When used correctly, regular floss can effectively remove the majority of bacteria that remains on your teeth after brushing.
Flossing With Easy To Hold Floss Picks
Floss picks make flossing more convenient and easy because they require only one hand to handle. Although it is easier to floss with one hand, flossing with two hands is more effective.
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.