Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. While brushing your teeth twice a day helps remove plaque and food particles from the surfaces of your teeth, flossing can reach areas that your toothbrush cannot.
As per American dental Abu Dhabi clinics, this helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Failing to floss regularly can lead to a buildup of bacteria and plaque between the teeth, which may eventually cause tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Here’s what you should know about it:
The Importance of Flossing
Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. If not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Tartar buildup increases the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. By flossing daily, you are able to effectively remove plaque from these hard-to-reach areas and prevent the formation of tartar.
How to Floss Properly
Flossing may seem like a simple task, but it is important to do it properly for maximum effectiveness. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss: This may seem like a lot, but it ensures that you have enough clean floss for each tooth.
- Wrap the ends around your fingers: Hold one end between your thumb and index finger on one hand, and wrap the other end around your middle or index finger on the other hand. This will give you a good grip on the floss.
- Work between each tooth: Gently slide the floss between each tooth, making sure to go all the way down to the gum line. Be careful not to snap or force the floss, as this can damage your gums.
- Curve around each tooth: Once the floss is at the gum line, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth and gently glide it up and down against that tooth. Repeat for each tooth.
- Use clean sections of floss: As you move from one tooth to another, use a new section of floss. This prevents bacteria from being transferred between teeth.
- Don’t forget the back of your last molars: Often overlooked, the back of your last molars can still collect plaque and debris that can lead to dental issues if not removed.
After flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened particles.