Tricks and techniques to floss your teeth
Did you know that only 5% of the Australian population floss daily? Many believe brushing alone is enough to safeguard their teeth. If you are one of the few, do you know how to actually floss properly?
Many people take the wrong approach, which is possibly why so many people do not take part. Read on as we give our tips and tricks for the next time you floss your teeth.
Choose the Right Floss
Not all floss is created equal, or the same. There are lots of different brands and types of floss on the market. What may work for one person’s oral care regime may not work for others.
The most common type of floss is made from nylon. It is cheap and easy to find in stores. However, some people do not like its tendency to shred, so opt for wax-coated and PTFE floss instead.
PTFE floss is made from Polytetrafluoroethylene. To most people, the name Teflon is more common. It is the material that coats the pan to stop food from sticking.
Combine It With Brushing
Flossing should not replace brushing in your dental hygiene routine. It should be an addition. This way you are conducting a two-fold attack against bacteria and gum disease.
People often get put off by flossing because it can cause their gums to bleed. However, this is a sign that you need to increase your dental health. It may be troublesome the first few times but will lead to a marked improvement within a few weeks.
Don’t Saw
The aim of flossing as part of a dental care regime is to reach bacteria in places that are hard to get to when brushing. As brushing is a movement that goes backwards and forwards, doing the same saw motion with floss is not providing much that brushing could not do itself.
Instead, make sure you bend the floss into a C shape. Cup it around the teeth, in the places brushes will not reach. This removes bacteria, enhancing all-around oral health.
Only Use Dental Floss
This may seem like an obvious one, but there are many people who use items to floss other than dental floss itself. Paperclips, fingers, paper, and other objects often get used to remove items from in between the teeth.
Hard items can scratch and wear away the enamel on the teeth. Even some of the softer items may have chemical makeups that do not work well on gums and teeth. The worst-case scenario is that the items you used end up stuck themselves.
Dental floss has been tested to be delicate on the teeth, yet robust enough to remove bacteria. Keep it handy in your bag or pocket for when you are out and about, particularly when visiting restaurants.
Floss Your Teeth Daily
With these handy tips, you should begin to floss your teeth daily. Find a floss brand that suits you and introduce it to your routine. You will soon find a marked improvement in gum health and the look of your teeth.
If you have oral health problems, the Bondi Dentist should be your first stop. With everything from general family to cosmetic dentistry, we can cater to all your needs. Contact us and make an appointment, then let us put the smile back on your face.