Improve Your Flossing Technique

Flossing is an important mainstay in the repertoire of excellent oral hygiene, and yet the one that seems to be overlooked the most. Brushing our teeth alone is not enough to remove all the food particles and residue that can get left behind and turn into plaque. With flossing, we can reach the spaces that toothbrushes cannot. Brushing and flossing need to be done in tandem, as doing one without the other is akin to leaving a job half-finished.

Here are few important tips to help you with flossing your teeth:

The most effective way to grip floss is to wrap a strand (about 18 inches long) around your middle fingers until you are left with about 1-2 inches of floss to work with.

Exercise caution and gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth. Always remember to press gently. When you do reach the gumline, curve the floss around the tooth in a ‘c’ shape pattern. This will help you go even deeper between the teeth and gumline.

Before you begin a new tooth, move the section of floss to an unused portion by adjusting your finger that is holding one side of the string. Always remember to floss between every single tooth, as well as the backside of your last teeth.If you have any additional questions, our excellent team of dentists at JC Brown, DDS is here to help you.

Flossing is every bit as vital as brushing your teeth, and should never be avoided. If you would like to set up an oral exam or professional cleaning with Dr. Jackie Brown, please call us at 901-758-1000, to speak with a member of our helpful staff. You can also stop by our office in Germantown, Tennessee. Floss once a day to keep those cavities at bay!