Do you notice that you have bad breath, even after brushing your teeth? Are you suffering from toothaches and decay that can eventually lead to cavities and root canals? You may need to floss your teeth!
According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, out of more than 9,000 adults, 32.4 percent reported that they never flossed.
This considerable percentage shows that flossing is a habit that’s hard for many people to pick up, but it doesn’t have to be. Once you start flossing, you’ll be rewarded with healthier teeth and a more confident smile.
Keep reading to learn three top flossing tips that your Bloomingdale, GA dentist wants you to know!
1. Choose the Floss That Suits You
Did you know that there are a variety of different types of floss and tools? If you’ve been using standard floss and having trouble, try another variety to see if it suits your teeth better.
For instance, if you have crowded teeth that make it hard to pull the floss through the gaps, try dental tape as it’s thin and can fit through tighter gaps more quickly.
If flossing is hard for you no matter the type, try investing in a water flosser. This is a handheld device that shoots powerful streams of water in the gaps between your teeth.
2. Floss Before or After Brushing
If you’re hung up on the best time to floss, don’t be. Instead, when you’re just getting started, choose a time that’s the most convenient for you.
According to the ADA, it doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth. If you floss before you brush, you’re making it easier for the fluoride in your toothpaste to work its magic in-between your teeth for a thorough clean.
On the other hand, flossing after brushing allows you to spread fluoride onto clean teeth.
3. Floss the Right Way
If you’ve found the type of floss that suits your teeth, it’s important that you know the right way to floss. First, get about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your index and middle fingers of each hand. When you’re done wrapping, you should have two to three inches of floss left in-between.
Next, press the floss gently in the gaps between your teeth. When you reach your gumline, pull the floss into a “C” shape so that it hugs your tooth and gets slightly below your gums.
Do this on either side of each tooth!
Schedule an Appointment with Your Bloomingdale, GA Dentist Today
Remember that scheduling regular dental appointments along with brushing and flossing regularly will ensure that your dental hygiene is in top shape. Even better, your Bloomingdale, GA dentist can give you tips on how you can improve your flossing habit or make it easier.
Reputable dentists don’t judge–they understand that everyone starts somewhere when it comes to taking back control of their dental health.
Ready to schedule your first appointment? Request an appointment online with us today or give us a call at 912-988-7723.