Did you know there are more reasons for flossing than just cleaning hard-to-reach areas between your teeth? Flossing serves a larger purpose. It helps to strengthen your gums. And strong gums are a cornerstone of good oral care. Healthy gums reduce the chances of tooth loss or bad breath. If you’re not flossing several times daily, you’re missing an opportunity to do something good for yourself. Your mouth will feel amazing afterward, and you’ll avoid the pain and inconvenience of cavities. Get in the habit of flossing and flossing correctly today. Here’s what we at Lovett Dental Katy recommend.
Use an Adequate Amount of Dental Floss
If you’re using normal string floss, make sure to use enough. Generally, this means pulling off about 18 inches of floss, wrapping it around your fingers, and flossing between your teeth. Make sure you’re actually moving the floss up and down the sides of both teeth as you work. This helps to remove debris and scrape off any build-up of plaque that has developed.
Use Fresh Floss While You Work
Use fresh lengths of floss as you work around your mouth. Bend the shape of the floss around each tooth’s insides and outsides to remove the most build-up and work it gently between each tooth. This is the best way to clean the nooks and crevices of each tooth where your toothbrush can’t reach. You’ll be surprised at how much debris you’ll discover.
Expect Your Gums to Bleed a Little
If you’re new to flossing, your gums will probably bleed at first. Once they toughen up, however, this will stop happening. One of the main purposes of flossing is to help build strong, healthy gums that resist disease.
Find Your Favorite Dental Floss
You’ll find all sorts of flossing tools on the drug store shelf. From the regular string floss your parents used to disposable flossing sticks that make the job easier. Find the one you like the best and go with it. If you enjoy the task of flossing, it will become less of a chore and more of a luxury. So, don’t be afraid to explore every flossing instrument available until you find the one that’s right for you.
Store Floss in a Convenient Place
Keep your dental floss handy and accessible right next to your toothbrush. This will help you remember to floss either before or after brushing. If you hide the dental floss away in a medicine cabinet, drawer, or under the sink, the odds are good you’ll forget to use it more than you’ll remember. And it’s important to floss at least once a day.
It’s also a good idea to keep extra floss handy in odd places, such as next to your bed or even in the end table’s drawer beside the couch. Anytime you’re alone, and in private, you can floss. The more you floss, the stronger your gums will become, and the cleaner your teeth will be, so do it often.
Lovett Dental Katy Can Help
The next time you book an appointment with Lovett Dental Katy, bring your most frequently asked questions about flossing. Our experienced dental professionals will be happy to walk you through the right way to floss, even when it comes to those hard-to-reach back teeth. We’ll give you pointers and help you understand the importance of dental floss and how it helps prevent chronic gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Lovett Dental Katy is a full-service, family-oriented dental practice that serves Katy, Texas and the surrounding areas. If you’re in the market for experienced and reliable family dental care, call us today at 832-437-6477 to schedule your first appointment.
