The Basics of Flossing

Brushing your teeth regularly is important to remove food and plaque on the surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot access all the difficult or tight spaces in your mouth. Flossing is important because it can reach in between your teeth, under the gum line, or around your braces, and also improve blood circulation in your oral tissues.

Flossing only takes a few minutes, and should be done every time you brush your teeth. There are several different types of flosses, and which one is right for you can depend on spaces between your teeth, flavour, or personal preference/ease of use. For example, un-waxed floss is thinner, and can fit between tight spaces, whereas other flosses have thicker cotton sections to better clean around braces and retainers.

When flossing, it is important to use gentle and controlled motions to prevent accidentally injuring your gums. Here are a few tips on proper flossing techniques:

1. Select a length of floss, approximately 16-18 inches long.
2. Wind the floss loosely around the index finger of your left hand, with a small amount wrapped on the same finger on the opposite hand.
3. With the floss held taut, gently insert the floss in between two teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
4. Gently curve the floss in a ‘C’ shape around the base of each tooth, making sure to go just beneath the gum line.
5. Gently slide the floss up the sides of both teeth, and be sure to unwind fresh floss as needed.
6. Repeat this process between all teeth, including between your back teeth and your gums!

Flossing regularly is an important way to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. Flossing can improve your periodontal health and reduce plaque and calculus build-up, which can result in shorter cleaning appointments.

For more information on the importance of flossing, please contact us, or ask your hygienist for helpful tips and techniques. We have hygienists working late on weekdays and even on Saturdays as well! Please contact us to schedule a hygiene appointment.

Susan K

Greeter