Learn here some tips for flossing teeth like a pro from a dentist near you

One of the best dental hygiene practices is a regular flossing schedule. Flossing helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth and gums. Flossing also prevents plaque buildup in your mouth, thus protecting you from disease and infection in your mouth. A recent national poll revealed that 4 out of 10 people follow a regular flossing schedule. Read more here about the four tips for flossing like a pro.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

• If you are new to flossing, then it is best to consult a dental clinic or a dentist. They will help newbies get used to the idea of flossing, and share some basic tips to get the maximum benefit out of your flossing session. For a typical flossing session, take about 18 – 24 inches of dental floss.

To hold it properly wind it around your middle and ring finger. Leave about 2 inches of floss for your teeth. Now hold the floss taut with your index finger and thumb, and place the dental floss between two teeth. Rub the floss against both sides of the teeth by gently gliding it.

• Be careful to not glide the floss into your gums as it would cause bleeding. Try to reach the space between the tooth and the gum for maximum cleaning. Repeat this process for all the teeth that you can reach easily

Don’t Let Braces Stop You From Flossing

• If you have braces on your teeth, then don’t let them discourage you from using dental floss to clean your teeth. Most people who have braces are afraid of damaging them due to flossing hence avoid it altogether. However, if you floss in the right way you can not only protect yourself from teeth and gum disease but also keep your braces safe from damage.

Instead of using a string of regular dental floss, use a string of waxed floss. Stand in front of a mirror and twist the ends of the floss around your index fingers. Now gently glide the string between your teeth and gums.

• You must take precautions as the string can get tangled with the braces. If that happens, don’t panic and don’t pull as it could damage the wire of your braces. Repeat this process for all of your teeth and rinse with a mouthwash.

Follow A Routine For Flossing

• The maximum benefit of dental flossing can be achieved if you set a schedule for it. The schedule will help you get into the habit of flossing regularly. There is a general misconception that one should first brush their teeth and then floss them. However, the opposite order is true and leads to better dental hygiene.

In addition to setting a schedule for flossing at home, you must also set a schedule for booking your appointment with your dentist. Regularly visiting the dentist’s office will help you keep your teeth in their best state. A dentist will also inspect your mouth and advise you on treatment options as well as preventive care.

Use The Right Type Of Dental Floss

• There are several types of dental floss available on the market. Selecting the right one will help you maximize your dental hygiene and prevent bleeding gums. Selecting a dental floss depends on some factors such as teeth spacing, gum health, and whether or not you have braces installed.

The most common type of dental floss is dental tape. It is flat and broad just like a ribbon which makes it easier to navigate around your teeth. Standard floss is a thin strand made up of nylon. It also comes with flavors that help to make your flossing experience exciting. Super flosses consist of three components, spongy floss to clean around your braces, stiffened floss to clean underneath the braces, and standard floss for clearing your teeth and gums.

• Are you having trouble flossing your teeth properly, or have never flossed your teeth before? At Icon Dental Center, we pride ourselves on being one of the best dental and orthodontic specialist clinics operating in Everett and Seattle. Call us today at 206-225-2882 and let us help you take care of your oral hygiene.