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Different Ways to Floss

Your dental routine at home is a large part of your oral health. Brushing by itself isn’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. That’s why you need to incorporate flossing into your daily routine. Flossing is the only way to clean unreachable areas of your mouth. If you don’t already, you need to start flossing once a day. Doing it after every meal is even better!

There are a few different ways you can floss. Each will be discussed, along with a small guide to flossing regularly. It’s important that you find a flossing technique that works for you and your lifestyle.

Traditional Flossing
Floss comes in various thicknesses and materials. The first step to improving your oral health is finding out which is best for you. If you have teeth that are closer together or have tight gaps, you’ll need a thinner floss. It also works the same with waxed floss. Talk to your dentist for recommendations if you are unsure.

Flossing needs to be done right to be effective. Follow these steps for the best flossing experience.

-Remove 18 inches of floss from the packaging. Wrap each end around your middle fingers. One hand will rotate out the dirty floss, the other providing clean floss.
-Using your forefinger and thumb, carefully guide the floss between the teeth. Make sure you don’t snap or flick the floss against your gums.
-Curl the floss around the tooth, making a makeshift “C” shape.
-The floss should now be in place. Move it up and down, rubbing the side of the tooth.
-Rotate in clean floss and continue for all teeth.

Floss Picks
These are a great alternative to traditional flossing. Floss picks are available for purchase in most grocery stores and supermarkets. They are small, handheld devices that look almost like a miniature prong. The tines have the floss spread between them. Some patients prefer these because they believe they are easier to use. Hold the floss pick and insert the floss section between the teeth. Clean the gums and then continue with the rest of the teeth.

Waterpiks
The Waterpik is a reusable device that is similar to those used in dental offices. It sprays a quick and steady stream of water at the teeth. The pressure pushes any food or debris out from the between the teeth. Special add-ons are available for different purposes, like for cleaning braces.

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