To maintain good oral health, following strict and regular dental routine is essential. Apart from visiting the dentist for cleanups and checkups, you need to practice regular dental hygiene steps of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash. Just doing these steps mechanically without knowing the correct method will keep your teeth unclean. Here is the proper way to floss your teeth and the benefits.

The Proper Way to Floss Your Teeth

1. The very first step is to choose the right kind of dental floss. There are two basic forms of floss to choose from – nylon floss and Teflon floss. Nylon floss is made up of many strands of nylon fabrics which can be pulled apart. Nylon floss can be waxed or unwaxed. Teflon floss is a single strand floss which can enter the tiniest of gaps between your teeth. Choose a floss based on the gaps between your teeth.

2. To start flossing, pull out 18 inches of a floss strand and wind it around the middle fingers of both your hands. Leave about two inches of floss in between.

3. Now hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger and gently slide it between the gaps of your teeth.

4. Slowly slide it in an up and down motion between your teeth to pull out the food debris from your teeth.

5. Curve the floss at the base of each tooth to cover the gumline area. Do not exert a lot of force as it could hurt your gums.

6. Make sure to take a clean part of floss each time you move to another tooth.

7. Use back and forth movement to remove the floss.

The Benefits of Flossing

1. Flossing daily aides in plaque removal and prevention of tartar build up.

2. What many people are not aware is that flossing helps in teeth whitening. There are types of floss available in the market which have a coating of microscopic silica particles, which is abrasive and helps in cleaning stains from the tooth enamel.

3. Regular flossing reduces bad breath. The food which accumulates in the crevices of your teeth encourages bacteria growth which causes the bad breath. Flossing ensures that such food particles are eliminated, thereby controlling your bad breath.

4. Flossing helps in prevention of gum diseases such as gingivitis. Interdental cleaning with floss ensures that your gums remain healthy.

Following a stringent dental routine and keeping your visits to the dentist regularly helps in maintaining good oral health. Making use of the proper way to floss your teeth, you can ensure minimal food items and bacteria getting accumulated in your teeth crevices. To learn more about flossing techniques and to get a complete dental checkup done, book an appointment with Downtown Dental.