If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, but you still encounter problems such as decay and gum disease when it comes to your oral health, it’s time to consult with the best dentist in Encinitas, CA to find out what’s going on. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your flossing routine.
Floss Both Sides of Your Teeth
Quickly popping the floss in and out between your teeth is simply not enough to remove the plaque that collects there. Think of your dental floss as a squeegee and slowly work the floss up and down on each side of the tooth. Move the floss only to the point of resistance because you don’t want to damage the delicate gum tissue.
Use Enough Floss for Your Entire Mouth
Be sure to use enough floss to move to a clean portion for each area between your teeth. A clean piece of floss will ensure that you don’t transport bacteria around your mouth. For most people, 18 to 24 inches will give you the results you want.
It is also essential to use the correct type of floss for the best results. For patients with tightly spaced teeth, a floss ribbon or tape might be the best bet. For teeth with gaps or spaces, woven floss or traditional waxed floss will be your best bet.
Start with a Plan for Flossing
Rather than haphazardly attempting to floss every area of the mouth, start on one side on either the top or bottom and work your way, tooth-by-tooth all the way around until you reach the other side, then repeat the process on the other side. When we develop oral habits, it’s easy to miss the same area repeatedly unless you begin with a plan.
Finally, even if you brush and floss your teeth, it is important to maintain your twice-yearly dental appointments with the best dentist in Encinitas, CA to avoid tartar collecting below the gumline and causing periodontal (gum) disease or decay that is difficult to reach.