Flossing Your Teeth - There Is A Right Way And A Wrong Way!

Anyone who has ever seen a dentist has heard (over and over, I'm sure) that flossing is just as important as brushing.  A habit most of us perform at least once a day, I'm confident that most of probably didn't know that there is a right and wrong way to do it!  One would think pulling string between your teeth would be pretty much fool-proof, but apparently it's not that simple...

Skipping the spaces- If you have gaps or spaces between any of your teeth, it's important to still floss between them to remove any food or bacteria from beneath the gums.  This includes the gums behind your back molars.

Forcing your floss in a tight spot-  If your teeth are tight together and the floss won't go, gently saw the floss back and forth while applying gentle, but firm pressure until it squeezes through.  Too much pressure or forcing the floss through can damage your gums and increase your risk of gingivitis.  

Using the same piece for the entire job-  Using the same string of floss for the entire session can spread bacteria to different areas of the mouth.  To ensure the removal of the plaque and bacteria and not its redistribution, it's best to use a fresh section of floss for every few teeth. 

Still, there isn't much to the flossing concept, but not doing these simple things could have some complicated and expensive consequences.

Here's to flossing, the right way!

Keep Smiling!