How to Properly Use Dental Floss – A Step-by-Step Guide
Share
How to Properly Use Dental Floss – Step by Step
Using dental floss is a key element of oral hygiene that helps remove food particles and plaque from areas where the toothbrush can't reach. Regular use of dental floss can help prevent cavities and gum disease, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile. In this article, you will learn how to use dental floss correctly to achieve optimal results.
Why is Using Dental Floss Important?
Daily use of dental floss helps remove bacteria that can cause cavities and periodontal diseases. While brushing your teeth is important, it does not replace the need for flossing, as the toothbrush cannot thoroughly clean the spaces between the teeth.
How to Properly Use Dental Floss – Step by Step
Choosing the right dental floss: Choose a floss that suits your needs. You can opt for traditional waxed floss, unwaxed floss, or floss with special properties such as fluoride.
Correctly holding the floss: Cut about 45 cm of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving about 5 cm of floss to work with. Hold the floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers.
Inserting the floss between your teeth: Gently insert the floss between your teeth, being careful not to injure your gums. Move the floss slowly along the surface of the tooth in a “C” shape.
Cleaning each tooth: Move the floss around each tooth on both sides, moving the floss from the gum line to the tip of the tooth. Make sure to floss both the front and back teeth.
Frequent floss replacement: As you clean, gradually unwind a fresh section of floss so that you use a clean part for each tooth.
Common Mistakes When Using Dental Floss
- Flossing too aggressively: Using too much force with the floss can damage the gums, leading to bleeding and irritation.
- Skipping parts of the teeth: Make sure you floss every tooth, not forgetting the hard-to-reach areas.
- Using too short a piece of floss: Using a short piece of floss can make it difficult to clean all teeth thoroughly.
How Often Should You Use Dental Floss?
It is recommended to use dental floss at least once a day, preferably in the evening before bedtime. Regular flossing helps prevent the buildup of plaque and the development of gum diseases.