Let's talk Flossing! We know some of you may hate it but do you know how important it really is?
By not flossing at least once per day, you’re putting yourself in danger of gingivitis and cavities between your teeth. Flossing allows you to remove dental plaque buildup, which if not removed, can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to become red and bleed, eventually becoming gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can then lead to Periodontitis, causing our gums to heavily recede as the bacteria continues to move towards the root of our teeth.
Luckily, the ADHA has developed a simple way for you to properly floss your teeth using four simple steps.
Step 1: Wind 18" of floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1"- 2" length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth
Step 2: Keep a 1" - 2" length of floss taut between fingers. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.
Step 3: Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Gently wrap floss around the side of the tooth.
Step 4: Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.
And just like that, you’re a flossing pro!
Again, we want to emphasize how important flossing is in regard to your overall oral health. It is essential for ensuring your gums are not only healthy but happy too. If you find flossing difficult or if you're unsure if you're using the proper technique, please feel free to contact our office at 936-314-2688.
