As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. This could not be truer when it comes to dental health. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent dental problems in the future. One of the most important habits is flossing. Many people underestimate the power of flossing and skip it altogether. However, flossing is crucial for maintaining good oral health and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In this article, we will discuss the importance of flossing and how to do it correctly.

Why is flossing important?

Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but it is not enough to maintain good oral hygiene. Toothbrushes can only reach the surfaces of teeth and gums that are visible, leaving the tight spaces between teeth unclean. This is where flossing comes in. Flossing removes the food particles, plaque, and bacteria that are trapped in the tiny spaces between teeth and below the gumline.

If left uncleaned, these particles can cause a buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Thus, flossing is vital to prevent these dental problems and maintain a healthy smile.

How to floss correctly?

Flossing may seem a daunting task but it is easy to do once you get the hang of it. Here is how to do it correctly:

Step 1: Choose the right floss

There are various types of floss available in the market, such as waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and unflavored. Pick the one that you feel comfortable with and can use easily. If you have braces or dental work such as bridges or implants, use a special floss designed for these situations.

Step 2: Cut a piece of floss

Take a piece of floss that is around 18 inches long. Wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches of floss in between. Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers.

Step 3: Gently slide the floss between your teeth

Gently slide the floss between your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it down into your gums as this can hurt your gums. Instead, glide it gently along the curve of your tooth.

Step 4: Clean the gumline

Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C shape against one of the teeth and gently slide it down below the gum line. Remove any plaque or debris that you find there. Repeat this process on the other teeth, using a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

Step 5: Rinse your mouth

After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining debris or particles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps to remove the food particles, plaque, and bacteria that are trapped in the tight spaces between your teeth. This, in turn, helps to prevent dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Remember to floss at least once a day and do it correctly using the steps outlined above. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist if you are unsure about how to floss correctly or need advice bournemouth dentist on the proper technique. Make flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene routine and enjoy the benefits of good dental health.