A critical part of optimal oral care is dental flossing, which eliminates plaque that can build up in between teeth and cause tooth decay or gum disease. It helps clean the dark, tight spaces in between teeth, places that are normally out of your toothbrush’s reach. Here are some tips from dentist and author Dr. Kami Hoss when it comes to smart flossing.
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Do it gently and at least once a day
According to the American Dental Association, you should floss your teeth once every day, a habit you can get into before you go to bed every night. Beware harsh and excessive flossing, as it won’t deliver further benefit and can even damage and irritate sensitive gum tissue.
Bleeding gums? Don’t give up on the floss
What you should realize is that the bleeding isn’t really caused by flossing, but instead by gum inflammation or disease. If you find your gums bleeding often, it’s about time to check with your dentist and ask about the overall well-being of your gums and teeth.
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Explore different floss props
You can choose from waxed or unwaxed string, tape, holders, braided floss, threaders, and power flossers, to name a few. Dr. Kami Hoss says that as long as you’re gentle while you floss, you can experiment with what works for you best. Ask your dentist, too, for sound advice!
Apply the right technique
Use some 18 inches of floss, and hold a short amount of it between your thumb and fingers. Insert the floss between your teeth. Gently move it in a slow back-and-forth motion as well as up and down. Avoid applying too much pressure and re-using string that’s been previously used and could already be harboring germs.
Kami Hoss, MS, DDS is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists. He is also the CEO of Acceledontics, and Howard Healthcare Academy. He holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. Read more about his practice on this site.
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