When it comes to keeping your teeth clean and preventing various oral concerns flossing can be vital. Here, our Langley dentists discuss the importance of flossing your teeth and the different tools that can be used.
Whether or not it can be seen there are little bits of food particles and debris that would have become trapped in between your teeth throughout the day as you've been eating and drinking,
When brushing your teeth, you'll naturally reach for the toothbrush, but it can't get into the smallest crevices of your mouth, so flossing is necessary to get rid of plaque and shield your mouth from problems like cavities and gum disease.
Flossing Your Teeth: What Tools Are Available?
there are a variety of flossing tools available to help this process nice and easy. Here, our Langley dentists share some of the various types of floss and flossing tools available for this important oral hygiene practice.
Traditional Floss
Whether it's waxed or unwaxed, the techniques that you use to floss will determine how well you clear out the debris.
Start by gathering a length of floss of about 18 inches and winding it around your fingers. After that, gently slide the floss between your teeth by moving it up and down. Making a "C" shape with the floss, go around each tooth, being sure to extend below the gum line.
If used correctly, regular floss should be able to pick up most of the bacteria left behind in your teeth after you have finished brushing.
Floss Picks
Floss picks make flossing simpler and more practical because they can be used with just one hand. Single-handed flossing is more practical, but it is less efficient than traditional floss.
The downside to using floss picks is that while they are easier to use they also restrict the angle you are able to reach which will prevent you from getting all angles.
Regular floss is recommended above floss picks as these floss picks are still unable to reach everywhere but if you do not have access to traditional floss then they will do.
Waterpik
The Waterpik Water Flosser is a clever device that uses a stream of pressurized water to "floss" your teeth and gums.
Using the Waterpik device is simple as you simply direct the flosser tip along the gum line and allow the water to remove any plaque and food particles for you.
Flossing using the Waterpik Water Flosser can also help reach difficult areas and make flossing easier for those with braces or any form of dental work.
How Often Should You Floss?
While it is essential to floss frequently and consistently, it is entirely possible to floss too much and cause irritation to your gums.
Along with your twice-daily tooth brushing routine, you should also be ensuring that you have one good flossing session a day preferably at the end of the day.