Some patients may forget to floss and only brush their teeth. However, flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. Patients who do not clean their teeth and gums well risk infection and disease. Our dental office in Gouverneur, NY, wants patients to stay educated about maintaining good oral health. Here we will review some of the best flossing methods, different floss types, and how good oral hygiene impacts your dental health.
What is the Proper Way to Floss?
There are three simple steps to take when using traditional floss:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind them around your middle fingers. Gently hold several inches of floss between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Glide the floss between teeth, curving it when it reaches the gum line. Curve the floss in a c-shape around the tooth.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth and move the floss away from the gums in up-and-down motions.
Types of Dental Floss
The most common types of floss include:
- Waxed and Unwaxed Floss: Simple or traditional dental floss can contain wax. Waxed dental floss is stronger than unwaxed floss and is less likely to break. Unwaxed floss is typically thinner than waxed floss.
- Floss Picks: A floss pick usually consists of a piece of plastic and a small portion of floss between the plastic arch. Floss picks are not as effective as simple floss because they cannot reach all of the angles between teeth.
- Dental Tape: This broader and flatter floss can be made from polythene or waxed nylon. Dental tape is more stretchy than traditional floss. If you find it difficult to hold thin floss, the dental tape can be simpler to use.
- Water Flosser: A water flosser can benefit patients with dental restorations like bridges and dentures. This type of flosser uses water pressure to remove debris from between teeth. Patients with natural teeth can also benefit from a water flosser.
Maintaining Good Oral Health in Gouverneur, NY
Plaque is a bacterial film that can cover teeth and gums. Over time, if plaque is not removed, it hardens to form a calculus or tartar. It is difficult to remove this hardened plaque unless a patient visits a dentist for scaling. We use stainless steel dental tools to remove bacterial build-up from the teeth and gums during scaling treatment. Scaling is done during regular dental cleanings. Brushing and flossing at home can also help keep bacteria from building. Flossing removes food particles between teeth, and brushing can remove bacteria from the tooth surfaces.
Do you need to make a dental visit? Contact Dr. Nicholas Gardner for care today at [new_patient_phone_span] You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Gardner online.