Flossing — an often overlooked step in our oral care routine — is a powerhouse when it comes to keeping mouths healthy and happy. Why’s flossing essential? Let’s unravel the benefits of flossing that go beyond just a bright smile.
- Gum Disease Prevention: Flossing daily helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, preventing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile.
- Cavity Defence: Flossing removes hidden food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach, reducing the risk of cavities. By flossing regularly, you’re giving those pearly whites extra protection against tooth decay.
- Fresh Breath: Say goodbye to bad breath! By removing bacteria and food debris, flossing leaves your breath fresher and your confidence high. Freeing you to speak, laugh, kiss without worry.
- Overall Health Boost: Believe it or not, oral health is linked to your overall well-being. Regular flossing can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier you.
Here are our top tips on how to floss:
- Floss first! This means that anything that gets dislodged is brushed away afterwards
- Unwind a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long: You can use waxed or unwaxed floss, depending on your preference. We love Oral-B Superfloss and Oral-B Pro-Expert Premium Floss
- Wrap the Floss: Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss to work with
- Slide Gently Between Teeth: Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion. Be cautious not to snap or force the floss, as it can injure your gums
- Form a C Shape: As the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Hold the floss against the tooth and move it up and down, removing plaque and debris. Be thorough but gentle, ensuring you clean both the tooth surface and the adjacent gumline
- Switch Fingers and Repeat: Use a new section of the floss for each tooth. To avoid spreading bacteria, use different parts of the floss strand. Repeat the process for all your teeth, including the back ones
- Don’t Forget the Back Teeth: Pay special attention to the back molars, which often trap food particles. Use a fresh section of floss for each set of teeth
- Rinse and Dispose: After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove dislodged plaque and debris. Dispose of the used floss in the bin
- Regularity is Key: Floss your teeth at least once a day, ideally before bedtime, to remove plaque and prevent gum diseases and cavities
- Professional Guidance: If you’re unsure about your flossing technique, ask your dentist or dental hygienist during your regular dental checkup. They can provide personalised tips for effective flossing
Consistent and proper flossing is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and promoting overall dental health.
