Tips for Boosting Your Flossing Game
Only 32% of adults, according to the American Adult Flossing Association, floss every day. Although flossing may not be the most enjoyable task, it can stop food particles from building up between your teeth. Thus, daily flossing prevents tooth decay.
It is even more important now than it was a century ago because the average American consumes 152 pounds of sugar annually—and that only includes added sugar. Additionally, harmful bacteria feed on starches and simple carbohydrates.
By improving your flossing technique, Our Chapel Hill Family Dentistry can help you maintain healthier teeth for a longer period of time.
Make a flossing schedule.
To help you develop the habit of daily flossing, keep a journal. Utilizing a flossing chart can be rewarding in some cases. To keep track of your progress, use colorful pens or amusing stickers. If you accomplish your objectives by the end of the week, treat yourself.
Play around with various tools.
For those who have braces, crowns, and other dental work, as well as those who have crowded teeth, flossing can be challenging. In addition to string floss, you can now choose from pre-threaded flossers, dental picks, and water flossers.
Water flossers use a strong jet of water to flush out food particles from between teeth. Water flossers can be beneficial for patients with sensitive gums or braces even though they don’t remove debris as thoroughly as regular floss.
Improve your dental floss technique
To gently guide the floss between your teeth, move it back and forth. It is advised to gently rub the dental floss along the sides of each tooth, including the ones at the back. When floss gets caught between your teeth, resist the urge to pull it out. Instead, you should use a pair of tweezers. After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to get rid of any food particles you may have loosened.
Floss before bed
If you can only floss once per day, do it right before bed. By doing this, you’ll get rid of the debris that has been lodged there all day.
If you only floss in the morning, food debris will remain between your teeth for many hours longer, increasing the possibility of bacteria-secreting acids that will damage your enamel.
A few more steps will get you your ideal smile.
If you’re looking for a top-rated dental office in Chapel Hill, NC, call us to make an appointment. Professional cleanings and dental advice are included in our dental services.