As children, we’re all told to floss our teeth every day. But did you know that only around 40% of Americans do this consistently? Many people only clean the spaces between their teeth occasionally, and around 20% never do it at all. Failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities and cause dental problems such as gum disease and plaque.
So, what does flossing involve? Fortunately, the process is quite simple, and it shouldn’t take more than three to five minutes per day. For people with braces, there are some extra steps involved. However, there are special tools available that can make the process easier. Let’s have a closer look at how to properly clean in between your teeth.
What Is the Proper Way to Floss?
Cleaning in between your teeth isn’t expensive or time-consuming, and all you need to get started is some dental floss. You can buy this at any pharmacy or supermarket. Different people have different preferences, but it’s almost always a good idea to get a floss that is unwaxed because the filaments will clean your teeth more effectively. Bear in mind, however, that the cheaper the floss, the more likely it is to tear up when you use it. If you can afford it, spring for a slightly better floss.
Some brands offer flavored floss, which might make the process more enjoyable for you or your children. For people who don’t like floss, there are picks available that can do the same job. Remember, the most important thing is to start maintaining good oral hygiene. Consistency is the key, so you should choose a product that is easy to use and doesn’t hurt your gums.
Preparation
To get started, you will need to break off enough floss and wrap it around your finger. Most people find that 18 to 24 inches allow them to clean between all their teeth. You should wind most of the floss around your middle fingers and only leave a small bit, approximately one to two inches, unwrapped. Hold your floss taut between your hands.
Cleaning Each Gap
Next, you will clean the spaces between each of your teeth. Gently push the floss into the first gap, taking care to go slowly if you’re not used to the process. There might be plaque between your teeth, which makes it difficult to insert the floss. Over the weeks, it will get easier as the nylon filaments remove the plaque.
Make sure to glide the floss down your teeth, brushing it against both sides and moving it around the space at the base of your teeth. You shouldn’t go too far down into your gums because they could become scratched or bruised.
Additional Tips
Never use the same section of floss for two spaces because this could transfer bacteria and food particles from one area of your mouth to another. Instead, change the way you hold your floss each time, so a new section is revealed.
The first time you clean the spaces between your teeth, you might spend ten or more minutes doing it, as there could be tight spots that are clogged up with plaque. If you find the process impossible to complete or you run into issues such as bleeding gums, you should book an appointment at your local dental clinic. A hygienist can evaluate whether there is an issue, clean your teeth for you, and show you how to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Why Do I Need to Clean the Spaces Between My Teeth?
There are several reasons why you need to floss regularly. The most important one is that it reduces your risk of cavities. When you eat, food particles can get trapped between your teeth. If they are not removed, they will start to decay. As a result, bacteria will grow and attack the enamel of your teeth. Another problem that can be prevented with good oral hygiene is gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease usually involves bleeding gums.
Finally, cleaning the spaces between the teeth can help you get rid of plaque. This is a colorless film that covers your teeth when bacteria mix with starchy foods. If plaque isn’t removed, the bacteria can release acid that breaks down the teeth and causes cavities. Over time, plaque can turn into a hard substance called tartar that is even more difficult to remove.
What If I Have Braces?
If you have braces, cleaning between your teeth can be a little more complicated, and you should stand in front of a mirror to check whether the floss is going where you need it to. Thread the floss between the main wire and your teeth, then twist the ends around your fingers so that you can easily move it around. Press the floss between your two teeth and move it up and down along the sides.
When you’re done, you can remove the floss, taking care not to put pressure on the wire of your braces. Because this process is quite involved, you should have a dental professional show you how it’s done.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Teeth?
For optimal dental hygiene, you should brush your teeth after every meal. However, this can be tricky, especially if you are out for most of the day, so you should aim for twice a day. Spend at least two minutes on this task, and set a timer if necessary. Some people like a manual toothbrush, while others find an electric one easier to use and more effective.
According to the American Dental Association, you should aim to clean the spaces in between your teeth once a day. Ideally, this process should come before brushing. Stuck food particles can be dislodged, and then they can be removed from the mouth when you brush. You should aim to complete this part of oral hygiene in the evenings so that no food particles are left in between your teeth overnight.
Are There Any Other Options?
There are several different types of floss including unwaxed, waxed, polytetrafluorethylene, and super floss. You can try out different types of floss to find the one that works best for you. People who have trouble using floss to clean between their teeth might find using dental picks more appealing. These aren’t usually as precise as floss, however, can be considered by anyone who has trouble using floss.
Dental tape is another option if regular floss is difficult to use due to larger dental gaps between teeth. Another possibility is a flosser, which consists of several components that can help people with bridges, gaps, or braces take care of their teeth. People who are not sure which product is suitable for them should speak to a dentist.
If you don’t floss regularly, you’re not alone. More than half of the American population neglects this important part of oral hygiene. Luckily, the process is simple, and it won’t take you more than a few minutes per day. If you consistently clean the spaces between your teeth, you can reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque.
People who haven’t been maintaining optimal oral hygiene should consider going to a dental clinic as soon as possible. Your dental professional can evaluate the condition of your teeth, remove any plaque that has built up, and show you how to best take care of your teeth in the future.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dentist For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
