Although it’s often overlooked, flossing is an essential step in maintaining good oral and overall health. It helps prevent gum disease and lowers your risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s. Flossing may seem easy to do, but most people end up following the wrong techniques. Unfortunately, doing it incorrectly can do more harm than good. With that in mind, here are a few common flossing mistakes and how to correct them.
Not Flossing Enough
Flossing is crucial for removing harmful bacteria and debris from those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. You must do it every day to effectively lower your risk of oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Although it may seem harmless to skip this step every once in a while, it can pose a threat to your oral health. By taking the time to floss once a day, you can keep your teeth and gums as healthy as can be!
Flossing at the Wrong Time
Did you know that there’s an ideal time to floss? It’s recommended that you floss your teeth right before bed to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Since saliva flow decreases while you sleep, any harmful substances left on your teeth overnight have a higher chance of starting bacterial breakdown or causing gum inflammation.
Brushing and Flossing in the Wrong Order
It may surprise you to learn that there’s an ideal protocol when it comes to brushing and flossing. One study found that flossing before brushing can greatly lower the amount of plaque between your teeth. When hard-to-reach areas are first cleaned with floss, fluoride can coat the small spaces better and protect them against tooth decay.
Using the Wrong Type of Floss
There are many different types of floss, which means you must find one that effectively cleans your teeth and gums. When choosing the best one for your needs, you must consider factors like the amount of room between your teeth, whether you have dental restorations, and whether gum issues are present. For those with tight spaces or a lot of dental work, dentists recommend using thinner material. But for people with larger gaps or more gum issues, a thicker fiber can aid in cleaning.
Not Flossing the Entire Tooth
While flossing, make sure you wrap the string around the side surface of the tooth as well. Many people simply floss between the teeth and move along. However, it’s critical to take the time to slide the floss up and down while rubbing the back of the tooth. By using this technique, you can successfully remove any food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other debris from your teeth.
Next time you floss, try to be mindful of your technique and avoid making these common mistakes. Flossing correctly is the best way to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for years to come!
About the Practice
At Robison Dental Group, we provide exceptional and individually tailored dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team is passionate about helping every patient achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. For more flossing tips, visit our website or call (734) 453-6320.