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8 Flossing Tips From a Catoosa Dentist

If you want healthy gums and healthy teeth, you must floss regularly. We make it easy to floss with eight of the best flossing tips here.

About 13.2% of children between the ages of five and 19 have untreated dental caries. Meanwhile, about 26% of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have untreated cavities, too. If you're neglecting your oral health, you could experience problems down the road.

As you make an effort to explore dental health tips from your Catoosa dentist, don't neglect to floss, too. Recognizing the importance of flossing can help you avoid cavities and gum disease. Otherwise, you could develop gingivitis, which can cause swollen, bleeding gums.

Don't let that happen! Instead, use these eight flossing tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the year.

With these tips, you can prioritize your oral health and show off a stunning smile at your next appointment.

Discover how to properly start flossing teeth with these tips today.

1. Consider Your Floss

Before you start using these flossing tips, take a look at the floss you're using. Make sure you're using high-quality floss. Look for floss that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.

The ADA seal indicates independent experts evaluated the floss' effectiveness and safety. Brands can earn the ADA seal by producing scientific evidence. These brands have proven their product can reduce plaque and gingivitis.

Plaque is a clear, sticky film that can cling to your teeth. If you're not properly brushing or flossing teeth, plaque could cause decay. Your risk of cavities or gum disease could increase as a result.

If your teeth are tightly spaced, consider using a thinner floss. Look for single-strand varieties.

You might want to consider purchasing waxed versus unwaxed floss, too. Unwaxed, single-strand floss could glide into tight spaces a little easier.

With some brands, waxed floss is less likely to break apart.

If you have large gaps between your teeth, however, make sure to choose a thicker floss. You might want to choose weaved floss, which is made of multiple strands woven together.

For patients with limited dexterity in their hands, consider using a flossing pick instead. Flossing picks are ideal with patients who have arthritis, reduced mobility due to aging, or an injury.

However, floss picks aren't always as effective as sliding along your teeth for a thorough clean.

If you're struggling to choose the right floss, speak with your Catoosa dentist. They can recommend a brand.

2. Adjust Your Technique

Make sure you're using 18 inches of floss. Then, wrap the floss around your fingers. Use a clean section each time you clean another tooth.

Review your technique in the mirror. First, make sure you're forming a C-shape with your floss.

A C-shape will ensure you're covering as much surface area of each tooth when you floss. Flossing properly will help remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth. The C-shape method, however, can also remove plaque from other surfaces of the tooth.

Remember, removing plaque can reduce your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.

Hold the floss strand taut between your forefingers and thumb. Then, glide the floss between your teeth.

Repeat with each tooth. If you're unsure about your technique, consult your dentist.

3. Remain Gentle

As you begin using these flossing techniques, make sure you're both gentle and thorough. If you rush, you could end up with tender, bleeding gums.

Make sure to get between each tooth as well.

Remaining gentle can help you avoid scratching or bruising your gums.

4. Keep It Consistent

How often should you floss? Floss at least once a day. Make sure to floss before bed to keep food particles from lingering between your teeth.

As you start using these flossing tips at home, make sure to prioritize consistency. You should floss every day.

Keep your floss near your toothbrush as a reminder to floss before bed.

5. Get the Back Teeth

It's not enough to make flossing a habit, though! Remember, you need to make sure you're thorough. With that in mind, make sure you're getting your back teeth as well.

Otherwise, the gaps between your molars might become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The next time you floss, start with the back. Then, work your way around.

If you're struggling to reach your back teeth with normal floss, consider using a floss pick.

6. Time It Right

Now that you know how often you should floss, let's cover when you should floss.

Flossing before you brush your teeth can help you remove food particles and plaque. You can leave a cleaner surface for your fluoride toothpaste as a result. However, flossing after brushing could help spread fluoride between your already clean teeth.

It doesn't matter which order you choose. It's up to you!

7. Try a Water Flosser

Consider talking to your Catoosa dentist about using a water flosser. Water flossers are handheld devices. They can shoot thin streams of water between your teeth.

You can use a water flosser to make sure you're not leaving any food particles trapped between your teeth before bed.

8. Visit Your Dentist

Make sure to visit your Catoosa dentist twice a year. They can review your teeth and gums to assess your oral health. You can also ask them for more helpful flossing tips!

Otherwise, let your Catoosa dentist know if you experience any new oral health issues or symptoms. For example, if you develop gingivitis, you could experience:

Red, swollen, tender gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Loose teeth
A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down
Foul-smelling breath that doesn't go away after you brush
Sensitivity
Partial dentures that no longer fit
Pain when chewing
Pus between the teeth and gums
Gums that pull away from the teeth

If these symptoms of gingivitis sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Catching gingivitis in its early stages could help you avoid periodontitis.

Otherwise, periodontal disease could increase your risk of stroke, lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes.

Start Smiling: 8 Flossing Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Flossing teeth properly can help you avoid cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health concerns. Start using these flossing tips at home to prioritize your oral health. Otherwise, consult your Catoosa dentist for more helpful dental health tips.

With their help, you can maintain a stunning, healthy smile year-round.

Ready for your next appointment? We can't wait to see you.

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