Using dental floss every day, even for a few minutes, can help you avoid dental issues and tooth decay. Here are some dental flossing techniques, tips on how to avoid injury to the gums and information about recommended flossing frequency.
Flossing Frequency
When you visit the dentist for a cleaning and you come home with that fresh feeling, part of that is due to the careful dental flossing you experience while there. Between dental visits, you can recreate that clean feeling when you floss every day.
Flossing every day is the flossing frequency amount recommended by the American Dental Association.
Dental flossing can be done at anytime of the day. Flossing frequency could also be three times a day, or whenever you brush your teeth.
As long as you are not experiencing excessive bleeding, flossing frequency can be increased.
Dental Flossing Techniques
It is easier to floss when you start with a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long. When it is too short, it makes it harder to maneuver around the teeth.
Start with one tooth and run the dental floss gently down the side of the tooth, just to the gum line. Use a clean part of the dental floss to clean the other side of the tooth. Continue until you have run the dental floss between all of your teeth.
Avoid Injury or Bleeding
The best way to avoid injury or excessive bleeding when flossing is to take your time. Do not press the dental floss down against the gums while flossing.
Another way to avoid bleeding gums when flossing is to floss every day.
Failure to Floss
Not using floss every day can result in a buildup of plaque. An excess of plaque will lead to tooth decay. A simple failure to floss daily can also result in periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease will cause tooth loss.
By following the recommended flossing frequency of once a day and using gentle motions to floss, the simple act of dental floss can help save your teeth and protect your gums.
Author: Pam Gaulin
© 2008 Associated Content