Taking care of your teeth is important, and flossing is a key part of that. But are you flossing correctly? It's easy to make mistakes that can actually hurt your gums and teeth instead of helping them. Let’s look at some common flossing errors and how to fix them to improve your oral care.
Using the Wrong Type of Floss
There are many kinds of floss out there. Some are waxed, some are unwaxed, some are flavored, and some are even designed for people with braces. Choosing the wrong floss can make the process difficult and uncomfortable. If your teeth are tightly spaced, waxed floss might be easier to slide between them. If you have restorations like bridges or crowns, you might need special floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around them properly. Experiment to find what works best for you!
Being Too Rough
One of the biggest flossing mistakes is being too aggressive. Snapping the floss forcefully between your teeth can injure your gums. Instead, gently guide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. When you reach the gum line, curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and gently slide it up and down.
Neglecting the Back Teeth
It's easy to focus on the teeth you can see in the mirror, but don't forget the back teeth! These teeth are just as important and prone to cavities. Make sure you reach all the way back to your molars when you floss.
Not Flossing Often Enough
Flossing once in a while isn't enough. For optimal oral health, aim to floss at least once a day. Ideally, do it before you brush your teeth. This helps loosen plaque and food particles so the fluoride in your toothpaste can reach all surfaces of your teeth more effectively.
Reusing Floss
Reusing floss is like washing your face with a dirty towel. The floss picks up bacteria and food particles, and reusing it just spreads that gunk around your mouth. Use a fresh piece of floss for each tooth or section of teeth.
Ignoring Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when you floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. While some initial bleeding might occur when you first start flossing regularly, persistent bleeding should be checked by a dental professional. Don't stop flossing because of the bleeding; gentle and regular flossing can actually help reduce inflammation and bleeding over time.
Flossing Too Quickly
Rushing through the flossing process means you're likely not cleaning effectively. Take your time and make sure you're cleaning each tooth thoroughly. Quality is more important than speed.
Not Asking for Help
If you're unsure about your flossing technique, don't hesitate to ask your dental professional for guidance. They can show you the proper way to floss and answer any questions you have about your oral care routine. Proper flossing is an investment in your future smile and may help prevent future needs for restoration dentistry.
Taking care of your teeth is important, and flossing is a key part of that. But are you flossing correctly? It's easy to make mistakes that can actually hurt your gums and teeth instead of helping them. Let’s look at some common flossing errors and how to fix them to improve your oral care.