One of the most critical parts of oral hygiene is flossing. Flossing prevents plaque buildup, which ultimately decreases the chance of periodontal disease. When plaque is not removed from the teeth, bacteria are more likely to attack the tooth enamel causing bad breath, cavities, and possible tooth loss. Flossing once-a-day will help preserve the health and life of your teeth. By following the steps below, you can ensure that you have a long-lasting smile for years to come.1. Find a floss that works for youChoose a dental floss that will feel comfortable on your teeth and gums. There is a variety of flosses available, including waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored.Waxed floss slides more easily between teeth than unwaxed floss, which benefits those with teeth that are close together.Floss comes in two forms; Multifilament and monofilament. Monofilament floss is slightly more expensive, but slides through teeth more easily and is less likely to shred. 2. Use around 18 inches of floss, wrapping the bulk of it around your two index fingers.Wrapping the floss around your index fingers will give you more control over where you are flossing. Using a sufficient amount of floss allows you to floss all of your teeth in one sitting. 3. Hold the floss between your thumb and index fingersThree to four inches of the floss should be exposed and used for flossing. Your thumbs help to floss your upper teeth while your index fingers target your bottom teeth. 4. Slide the floss between your teethFloss your teeth carefully, as being too aggressive could irritate your gums. Think of it as gently rubbing the floss between the gums and the teeth. 5. Once your floss hits your gums, move the floss in a "C" motion, sliding it up and down along your teeth.Guide the floss in between your teeth carefully. The "C" motion helps to scrape off plaque and debris. 6. Floss in between each toothFlossing each tooth one at a time makes the process more precise, and ensures better cleaning. If you need new floss, unravel more from what you have wrapped on your index fingers. You should use a new area of floss for each tooth. 7. Floss your rear molarsThe most common area where gum disease and tooth decay begin are near the back teeth. Although it can be more difficult to floss your rear molars, it is still important to do so. Slide the floss in between your rear teeth and gently move it toward you. 8. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwashRinsing your mouth prevents any stray particles from staying in your mouth once you are finished cleaning. At first, you may experience bleeding of the gums, which means that you need to floss your teeth more often. You should floss your teeth once a day, every day, for about two or three minutes each time. Most people floss after brushing their teeth in order to remove the remaining debris that brushing leaves behind. The overall health of your teeth heavily relies on flossing regularly. Keep your smile fresh and bright by making a habit out of flossing daily.
