Flossing your teeth sounds like a simple concept, but for many people, it seems unduly complicated. A lot of these people avoid flossing altogether, which is not helping their oral health. There are plenty of misconceptions and misunderstandings about flossing, so it’s always a good idea to get your information straight from the pros. If you are in the Wilmington area, feel free to ask your dentist, Dr. Jason Justison. And read on for more tips.
Don’t Like String Floss? That’s Okay!
A lot of people have trouble manipulating the typical dental string floss, but there are other options available.
- Floss picks. These disposable plastic devices hold pre-threaded dental floss between two prongs. Most have a plastic pick at the other end. These are easier for most people to use—and they are easily transportable so you can always have access to floss when you are not at home.
- Electronic flossers. By shooting pressurized water or hair into the gaps between your teeth, these devices may not be as thorough as flossing, but they are a decent alternative if you are not flossing at all.
- Floss brushes. These tiny brushes come in different sizes to fit between your teeth, helping to get rid of plaque.
Be Gentle When Flossing
Too many people yank and pull hard when they are working the floss between their teeth, which can actually hurt your gums and cause damage in the long run. If this is the reason you don’t like to floss, try a more gentle touch, slowly working the floss up and down between your teeth like a squeegee. Don’t force the floss.
Take Your Time When Flossing
If you are going too fast when you floss, chances are you’ll miss a lot of the plaque that has built up between your teeth and gums. This means you’ll miss out on the benefits of flossing as well. Take your time once a day—preferably at bedtime—to do the job right. Repeated fast flossing can even cause gum damage over the long term.
Dental Cleanings in the Wilmington Area
If you are still struggling to master the flossing process, ask about it at our Wilmington practice the next time you visit the dentist. We would be happy to help ensure you are taking care of your oral health by flossing properly.
