We all know that brushing your teeth twice a day is important. It is vital to your continued oral health. However, it is beneficial to support your brushing habit with regular, daily flossing.
Flossing is a kind of interdental cleaning, in which you remove plaque and food debris from in between your teeth. Pretty self-explanatory, and we’ve all done it, but let’s review the basics.
First, take a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wind it around your index fingers. Then, gently slip the floss in between your front two teeth. Using a gentle sawing motion, glide the floss back and forth in a sawing motion. This removed the plaque from between teeth. Use a clean section of floss every time. The 18 inches should give you enough to use a new section in between every tooth.
If conventional flossing is difficult for you for any reason, talk to Dr. Lonnie Anderson about other approved interdental cleaners. It is important that you use only interdental cleaners approved by the ADA specifically for this purpose. Alternative cleaners include water flossers, pre-strung flossers, floss for sensitive gums, and dental picks specifically for this purpose.
It does not matter whether you floss before or after you brush, as long as it gets done. Don’t skip any days! If you are trying to start a habit of flossing, try giving yourself a non-food reward every week that you don’t miss a day.
Of course, along with daily brushing and flossing comes regular dental visits. You should visit your dentist every 6 months. If you live in the Juneau, Alaska area, be sure to call Lonnie A. Anderson, DDS at 907-789-2066 for an appointment today! Our team will be happy to see you.
