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 Burnaby 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.
Brushing is our primary line of defence against dental hygiene issues, but even with this defence, toothbrushes cannot reach into the smallest crevices in our mouths. Flossing is therefore crucial to removing buildup and preventing gum disease and cavities.
There are various types of floss and flossing tools available on the market today. Here, our Burnaby dentists share some of the various types of floss and flossing tools available for this important oral hygiene practice.
Flossing Using Traditional Floss
Whether it's waxed or unwaxed, it will be the technique that you use while flossing that determines the effectiveness.
Initially, take about eighteen inches of floss and wrap it around your fingers. Proceed to gently move the floss between your teeth, sliding it up and down. Make sure to go below your gum line as you wrap the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape.
If used correctly, regular floss should be able to pick up most of the bacteria left behind in your teeth after you have finished brushing.
Flossing With Easy To Hold Floss Picks
Using floss picks makes flossing easier and more convenient because you can use just one hand to handle them. Even though flossing with just one hand might be simpler, it is not as efficient as flossing with two hands.
Floss picks do not allow you to reach all the angles that regular floss can so you won’t be able to clean your teeth as thoroughly.
Regular floss is recommended above floss picks as these floss picks are still unable to reach everywhere but if you do not have access to traditional floss then they will do.
Flossing Using a Waterpik
The Waterpik Water Flosser is a clever device that uses a stream of pressurized water to "floss" your teeth and gums.
Using the Waterpik device is simple as you simply direct the flosser tip along the gum line and allow the water to remove any plaque and food particles for you.
Flossing using the Waterpik Water Flosser can also help to reach difficult areas and make flossing easier for those that have braces or any forms of dental work.
When You Should Be Sure To Floss
While it is important to floss frequently and consistently, it is entirely possible to floss too much and cause irritation to your gums.
Along with your twice-daily tooth brushing routine, you should also be ensuring that you have one good flossing session a day preferably at the end of the day.