It's likely that your dentist has told you more than once to make sure and floss. that's because flossing is an important part of your oral health! It may seem easy, but there are actually some important things to know about flossing properly. Here's what to know about it and how Dr. Kandar can help you get the best out of your at-home care.
The 4-1-1 on Flossing
So what’s the real 4-1-1 on flossing? Flossing is important not only to help remove food that may be stuck between teeth, but also to help scrape and remove plaque that is otherwise left-over after cleaning. Flossing is important when remembering your oral health routine as it can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay that brushing alone might not clear. By being proactive with your flossing, you can avoid being one of the 27% of Americans who lies to their dentists about how often they floss - a lie dentists can easily spot as soon as you open your mouth!
Tips From the ADA
Here are a few tips the ADA recommends about flossing:
- Use about 18 inches of floss so that you can use new sections of floss as you move around your mouth.
- Wrap the floss around your middle and index fingers, and glide the floss gently in between teeth, forming a ‘C’ shape firmly around each tooth. Use a gentle push-pull motion between teeth to remove any food or plaque stuck between teeth.
- Repeat this process around each tooth, and use new sections of floss as you go.
Schedule An Appointment
Whatever your technique, remembering that flossing every day is one of the best ways you can take care of your mouth! For more tips on flossing, or to schedule your next appointment with your San Francisco Financial District dentist Dr. Kandar, call (415) 523-9178 or book online!