3 Secrets to Make Flossing Easier

Flossing is one of the most underappreciated habits, but it’s essential to great oral health, just as much as brushing on a regular basis. Flossing removes additional debris, plaque, and tartar that builds up overtime from your teeth. It gets into places your toothbrush can’t reach, and if not taken care of, can cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Floss has been around since the 1800’s, when people used wax covered string to clean in between their teeth. Two types of floss are available today, the nylon floss, and PTFE floss, both are beneficial at removing unwanted food debris from your teeth. Today, not many people floss as much as they’d like to, because it can be difficult to work with. Here are some tips on how to make flossing simpler and easier to do: 

Use Plenty of Floss – Don’t try and stick to one string of floss to clean your teeth. Use long, open strands to make getting in the crevices of your teeth easier. Ensure that you have a solid grip on the floss by wrapping it around your fingers, about 18” inches or so would be considered a good length to work with so you can clean your teeth properly.

Floss Gently – Although being thorough can be beneficial, damaging your gums by pushing too hard on the floss can cause your gums to bleed and your mouth to become damaged. Aggressive flossing is painful, but by flossing more gently and steadily, you’ll be able to get rid of the plaque and debris from your teeth without hurting them. 

Get A Solid Grip – Finding a brand of floss that’s strong and durable is the key to effectivly removing the food between your teeth. Generally, off-brands tend to use cheaper materials for their products, so if you care about your teeth, using brands like Oral-B and Dr. Tung will make your experience easier. Also, by using these brands, you’ll have a stronger grip on the floss itself so you can get at ll the angles. 

One Last Bonus Tip! 

Use Flossing Picks – If the strand of string becomes difficult for you, then use a dental floss pick to get at the back angles of your teeth. When your fingers can’t reach to the back molars of your teeth, floss picks will be able to easily reach in the backs of your teeth without causing much discomfort. 

Taking care of your teeth through flossing will help maintain your oral health, but one of the best ways to keep maintaining it is by visiting your dentist for regular checkups. Dr. Adeola Faleye at The Orthodontic Clinic, P.C. in Memphis, TN. With a bright team of dentist and practitioners, they will be able to give you the best advice about how to take care of your teeth, the most efficient tools to clean your teeth with, and help you manage your dental health with ease. If interested, call their number today and schedule an appointment.