Are You Flossing Correctly?

You may be a champion tooth-brusher. You may brush for two minutes after every meal and follow that up with a healthy dose of mouthwash; but are you cleaning between your teeth? The places between your teeth that your toothbrush and rinse can’t reach, and they are prime spots for food particles and plaque to accumulate and promote tooth decay and gum disease. If you aren’t cleaning between your teeth, maybe it is time you find that container dental floss in your medicine cabinet or bathroom drawer, dust it off, and take it out for a spin.  

It doesn’t matter if you brush or floss first, so long as you do a thorough job of both. Waxed dental floss may slide between your teeth or around your dental work more easily. Monofilament floss is less likely to shred when you use it than nylon floss.

To floss your teeth, you need about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the majority of it around each of your middle fingers, and grip one to two inches between your thumbs and forefingers. Start at the back of your mouth and slowly work your way forward. Curve the floss around your tooth in a “c” shape, and floss first below, and then away from your gumline. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth, and dispose of the floss when you are finished.  Reusing dental floss will only spread food particles and bacteria around your mouth.

Remember that while brushing and flossing are important parts of your dental hygiene routine, they are not the only parts. You should see your dentist at least every six months for your routine cleanings and exams. If it is time for your regular dental appointment, or if you are looking for a dentist for your family, our dentist, Dr. Kevin Solis would love to meet you. If you live in the Moline, Illinois area and would like to make an appointment at Solis Dental Group, you can call 309-764-4944 today. We look forward to helping you have a lifetime of great smiles!