The Proper Way to Floss
Did you know that proper flossing is one of the most important cleaning techniques you could do for your health? Although some people floss, they do not know the proper methods of flossing. If you floss incorrectly, you can actually damage your gums and teeth. Your Kirkland Dentist can help you with knowing the right way to floss, but here are a few tips on how to floss the proper way:
- When you are flossing, do not stab directly in between the teeth and into the gum. Your gums are very sensitive and you can rip or tear your gums by applying to much pressure onto the floss. This will cause your gums to bleed. Instead, you want to gradually slide the floss between your teeth in a zig-zagging motion. Think of flossing like you are cleaning one side of each tooth at a time using the floss as a “scrubber.” When you slide the floss down into the space between your teeth, focus on one side of one tooth and then move over to the side of the other tooth. Alternate between the two sides of the two different teeth, this way you are not stabbing the floss directly into the gum.
- Your Kirkland dentist will also advise that when you are in between the space of your teeth do not floss the gum – not in one motion. A lot of people just stick the floss between their teeth thinking it is enough. What you want to do is after you stick the floss between your teeth to wrap the floss around the tooth, and around the adjacent one. This way, you get a lot of the plaque that builds up all along the tooth and gum line. This also prevents you from cutting your gums by flossing only back and forth between your teeth.
- Also, as you floss, floss under the gum line, but not so hard. By flossing underneath the gum line, you are removing extra plaque and bacteria that will later damage your teeth and gums. Even though when you start flossing, a little bleeding is normal, it should stop after 1-2 weeks of regular flossing. If your gums continue to bleed after a month or so, you may have a problem with your gums. Contact your Kirkland dentist so that he or she can take a look at your gums to treat the problem.
Flossing is very important, and you should make it a habit to floss at least once a day. Ultimately, you want to brush and floss after every meal so that you can remove bacteria and plaque that spreads and grows the longer you don’t clean you mouth. If you have any questions regarding how to floss or brush the proper way, be sure to contact your local Kirkland dentist. Your dentist will be happy to provide you with the information on how to clean you mouth and take care of your teeth and gums the right way.
