Flossing seems like such a chore. Yet once done properly your mouth feels so incredibly good. Imagine taking a shower and you washed everything except your armpits. Not so comfy. Food and bacteria gets trapped between teeth creating cavities between the teeth. PLUS if you floss and your gums bleed, you are experiencing gum disease! Gums are not supposed to bleed. Regular flossing will help eliminate the bleeding.
It’s like going to the gym. If the gym bag is out and your clothes laid out there is no question that you are going to the gym. So mentally warm up to flossing before diving in or it’s a chore that can be left by the wayside. After brushing, have the floss close at hand and if you’re about to bail remember that bacteria doubles in 24 hours. Who is kissing you in the morning?
So here’s a super easy guide to proper flossing:
1) Pick a floss that suites your style and need. Thin floss is great if you have teeth with very little space and getting the floss in is your problem. Although slightly thicker, waxed floss also helps with the ease of the in and out movement. This one is my all time favorite, in mint flavor. Check our next blog when we will talk about the other kinds of floss and gum instruments that hygienist recommend.
2) Don’t get stingy with the floss.Once you’ve picked out your perfect floss pull at least two feet. It seems excessive but you’ll need it to control the floss properly and give you ample clean floss to work with as you’ll be unrolling a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
3) Wrap each end around your index fingers and keep about two inches available between your fingers for the flossing action.
4) using your index finger ease the floss gently but firmly between your teeth and go under the gums along each tooth. Use a sawing motion if it is still hard to get in. As you pull the floss up keep the floss tight against the tooth to break up plaque. Don’t push down so quickly and hard that the floss cuts your gums.
5) Yes you will be reaching in your mouth to get into the back teeth. Those are the tough ones but they also do most of the chewing, so they need cleaning too. Practice practice practice.
Since you’ll be flossing everyday for the rest of your life, you might as well do it correctly and enjoy it.
