Did your recent trip to the dentist not go as well as expected? We’ve all gotten lectured about flossing since before we can remember, but if you’ve finally decided to listen to your dentist, make sure you’re doing it right. Proper flossing will remove plaque and food particles in areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Learning how to floss will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which is why flossing is so strongly recommended by your dentist

How to floss:

1. Start with a long strand of floss, around 18 in. long.

2. Wind most of the floss around your middle finger, so you’ll have an inch or two to work with.

3. Slide it between each tooth. You’re motion should go up and down, ensuring you cover the entire area.

4. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth.  Go all the way down to your gumline, but don’t force the floss.

5. Every time you move to a different tooth, make sure to use clean sections of floss. Otherwise you’re just spreading plaque and food from tooth to tooth.

If  you’re noticing problems with your teeth that flossing is not helping, you should schedule an appointment with you dentist. If you need a new dentist, try using TalkLocal to find one. Our free online service will provide numerous local options for you within minutes.

This entry was updated on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 at 3:48 pm. This entry was originally posted on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 at 6:00 am and is filed under Dentists. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.