FLOSSING

WHY FLOSS?

A smile is a terrible thing to waste, so be good to your teeth and your gums.                             Floss twice a day for optimal gum health!!! 

What many fail to realize, is that flossing plays an important role in his/her dental health. Unlike a toothbrush, which cleans the tops and outer surfaces of the teeth and gums, floss is an inter-dental cleaner.  It is designed specifically to clean the tight spaces between the teeth and the gap between the base of the teeth and the gums. These are places in which a toothbrush can not reach. And while antimicrobial mouthwash can kill the bacteria that form plaque, it can not remove the stubborn tartar and bits of food that can lodge in these places.

An increasing body of evidence suggests that proper dental care, including regular flossing, can do more than keep your smile pretty and healthy. A healthy mouth can also help prevent much more serious diseases, some of which can be life threatening.  

It is important to remember that Flossing helps prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis.

STEPS TO FLOSSING CORRECTLY:

1. Dispense approximately 18 inches of dental floss. Wrap 2-3 inches around your non-dominant middle finger and the remaining 11 inches around your dominant middle finger leaving 3 inches between both hands.

2. Gently glide the floss in between the teeth in a sawing motion using your index fingers as a guide. Please use caution not to snap the floss between the teeth as this may cause tissue trauma.

3.  Angle the floss so it hugs the tooth in a "C" shape. Gently slide the floss up and down the surface of the tooth  making sure that it goes slightly below the gum line. Once complete, angle the floss to hug the tooth in the opposite direction.

4.  As you move to each set of teeth, unwind the floss from your fingers, and rewind it so there is a clean section of floss to utilize. You may use more floss if needed.