Your Trusted Dentist in Bucks County

At Yardley Dental Arts, we believe that flossing is an essential part of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth cleans the surfaces, flossing reaches the areas between your teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to floss correctly to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright.

Why Flossing is Important

Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if not removed. By flossing daily, you can prevent these dental problems and maintain a healthier mouth.

Choosing the Right Floss

There are several types of floss available, including:

• Nylon Floss: This can be waxed or unwaxed and comes in various flavors. It’s effective but may shred between tight teeth.
• PTFE Floss: A single filament floss that slides easily between teeth and is less likely to shred.
• Floss Picks: Handy tools with a small piece of floss held between two prongs, making it easier to reach the back teeth.

Choose the floss that you find easiest to use and most comfortable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing

Step 1: Use Enough Floss

Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one of your middle fingers, and the rest around the same finger on your opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Step 2: Hold the Floss Correctly

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss between them. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into your gums.

Step 3: Curve the Floss

Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Step 4: Repeat for Each Tooth

As you move from tooth to tooth, use a clean section of floss. Don’t forget to floss the back of each tooth. 

Tips for Effective Flossing

1. Be Gentle: Your gums are sensitive. Flossing too hard can damage the gum tissue.
2. Take Your Time: Make sure to floss each tooth properly. A thorough flossing session should take a few minutes.
3. Use Interdental Brushes or Water Flossers: If traditional floss is difficult for you to use, consider interdental brushes or water flossers as alternatives. These tools can also effectively clean between your teeth and under the gumline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Teeth: Ensure you floss all your teeth, including the back molars, where food particles and plaque can easily accumulate.
• Using the Same Section of Floss: Using a clean section of floss for each tooth prevents spreading plaque and bacteria.
• Flossing Too Aggressively: Gentle, careful flossing is more effective and less likely to harm your gums.

Contact Our Dentist in Bucks County Today

Incorporating proper flossing techniques into your daily oral hygiene routine can make a significant difference in your dental health. At Yardley Dental Arts, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your next appointment today!