Flossing is an important oral hygiene technique that cleans and removes food stuck in between your teeth. This helps in reducing the bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth. Plaque is a thin film that builds on your teeth and contributes to gum diseases and cavities eventually. Flossing can be done with the help of a string floss or a water flosser. Most people brush their teeth regularly but do not floss as often. Flossing is an important step that must be a part of your oral hygiene. Only flossing isn’t enough. Flossing in the right way is equally important. Improper flossing can damage your teeth and gums hence the technique becomes very important. Just in case you are unsure of the best way to floss here’s a step by step guide that will teach you the right way to floss.
Flossing steps
1) Hold about 18-24 inches of floss in your hand. Wind most of the floss in between your two middle fingers. Leave a few inches 2-3 to use for flossing.
2) Hold the floss tout with your thumb and index finger.
3) Place the floss in between the two teeth and glide it up and down and rub it against both sides of the tooth. Make sure you don’t glide the floss into your gums as it can bruise your gums.
4) As the floss reached the base of your gums make it into a ‘C’ shape and floss in between the teeth and gums.
5) Repeat the steps as you move from one tooth to another. Use a new floss for a new tooth.
How to floss with braces? Flossing with braces can be a little tricky. It will take at least 10-15 mins to floss. If you have braces, it's best to use a wax flosser or a water flosser.
Steps
1) Take about 18 to 24 inches of waxed dental floss in your hand.
2) Stand in front of the mirror so you can see where your hand is going.
3) Start by flossing between your teeth and the main wire. Apart from the 2-3 inches you use for flossing, wind the remaining on your index finger so to move the floss around easily.
4) Move the floss in between two teeth as gently as you can.Move it up and down along the sides of both teeth.
5) When working on your top teeth make an upside u and glide it from the side of your tooth towards your gum line. Then floss towards the other side of the tooth.
6) Gently remove the floss and unthread it from the main wire. Make sure you avoid popping it out of your tooth as it could dislodge a wire.
7) Move to the next set of tooth and repeat for all teeth. When should you floss your teeth? Many people floss their teeth after brushing but the right way is to first floss and then brush.
Flossing helps remove the plaque and food stuck in between teeth and brushing helps remove the food from the mouth. If you brush first and floss afterwards, food may remain in your mouth until your next brush. Dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day and brush at least twice.
Water Flossing
A water flosser is a cleaning device that shoots a stream of water into your mouth to remove the food particles.Water flosser removes food debris or plaque stuck in between your teeth or at the gum line. It is a topic of debate on whether a water flosser is as effective as a string floss or interdental brushes. While a water flosser cannot curve in between teeth, it throws a pressured stream of water which can effectively clean in between your teeth. If you have had issues with a string floss on it getting stuck or causing cuts and burns then a water flosser may be an ideal option for you. Water flossers are easy to use for those with braces or bridges.Its also a great option for those who have arthritis or limited dexterity. Water flossers also help provide a massaging action on gums which a traditional string floss does not.
Perfora water Flosser
Perfora water flosser is a perfect water flosser option for those looking to upgrade their oral care routine. It comes with five clean modes. Its targeted stream of water with adjustable pressure helps remove plaque, food and bacteria in a more convenient and comfortable way than the traditional string floss.Its pulsating action stimulates the gum tissues for additional benefits.
1. How do you floss?
Flossing can be done using either a string floss or a water flosser. Both of these can be used to remove food, debris or bacteria stuck in between your teeth and gum line.
2. Is flossing good for teeth?
Flossing is great for teeth and is highly recommended by dentists. You must add flossing to your dental routine as it helps in removing the food particles thus preventing the formation of plaque.
3. Should I floss every day?
Yes, you must floss every day along with brushing, using a mouthwash and a tongue cleaner. All these steps will help you to elevate your oral health!
4. How many times should I floss in a day?
You must floss at least once a day. It is recommended that you floss first and then brush your teeth which helps in removing the food from teeth and then eventually from the mouth.
5. Is it normal to not floss?
Most people do not have a habit of flossing their teeth. But, flossing is only beneficial and will add to your overall oral hygiene.
6. Why can't I floss between my teeth?
If you are not able to floss in between your teeth, it could be because of a decay or tartar deposit. You must visit a dentist to find out why.
7. Should I brush first or floss first?
It is advisable to floss first and then brush. Flossing helps remove the food particles stuck in between your teeth and brushing helps in removing the same from your mouth.