Clean between your teeth and below your gum line
Your toothbrush is a fantastic tool for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, but unfortunately, it's not nearly as effective at cleaning between your teeth and just below your gumline. Dental floss, on the other hand, is designed for precisely that! When you floss once a day, you remove plaque and other particles from the spaces between your teeth and your gumline.
Floss comes in a variety of thickness and styles, and we can recommend the one that's best for you. Generally speaking, a thicker floss that still slides comfortably between your teeth is often the best choice.
Proper Flossing Technique
Rather than "snapping" the floss between your teeth to dislodge bits of food, take your time and gently ease the floss between your teeth. Make sure to get both sides of each tooth, including the ones in the back! Using a gentle back-and-forth motion, work the floss along the side of the tooth and into the gum tissue. If you haven't been flossing properly for a while, you might experience some bleeding. Make sure to wind the floss so you are working with a clean area of the floss in each area.
Your hygienist is happy to give you a hands-on demonstration of good brushing technique at your next dental cleaning! Call today to schedule an appointment.