You’ve been hearing it from your mom, dental hygienist, and dentist for ages that you should be flossing. And now you’re ready to make a change in your dental hygiene routine, evidenced by the fact that you’re here reading this blog post! The question is: how often should you be flossing?
Ideal Flossing Frequency
It’s best if you floss every time after eating or drinking anything other than water. That way you’re getting rid of any bacteria and sugary particles from between your teeth before it has time to develop into a problem. Of course, chances are many people aren’t able to (or just aren’t going to commit to) flossing that frequently. So what’s the alternative? Commit to flossing at least one time every day.
How to Floss Properly
To maximize the oral health benefits of daily flossing, it’s important to floss correctly. That means using a long piece of floss, probably longer than you think, so that you can use a clean section of it in between each tooth. About 18 inches of floss is usually a good amount! Then, when you’re flossing, make sure you’re not just popping it up and down between your teeth but also gently curving it around each tooth to scrape its surface and to clean under your gums.
Other Ways to Floss
If you simply can’t stand using traditional string floss and it’s making it hard for you to create a flossing habit, consider one of the other flossing products out there. There are water flossers that use a jet of water to push out debris, and there are interdental cleaners, which look like mini cleaning brushes. There are also floss threaders that simplify flossing if you have metal or ceramic braces or a permanent retainer. We recommend trying different options and seeing which one makes it the easiest for you to keep up a healthy daily flossing habit!
Additional Oral Healthcare Tips
Want more flossing tips? We’ve got ‘em! Contact Helotes Family Dentistry today for more dental hygiene tips.
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