It is important to maintain habits of adequate oral hygiene. We think of cleaning our teeth as a practice to squeeze in before bed, not remembering the benefits that these habits give us. When we can’t see a tooth become fragile, we fall into the trap of believing ‘a quick rinse’ is enough to have a clean mouth.
Why Is Flossing Important?
According to Dr. Sienna Palmer at Meridien Dental, people who do not floss their teeth risk infection: “They can experience bleeding and swollen, red, and sensitive gums.” In addition to the swelling, plaque can build along your gums and in between your teeth. If left unattended, this can cause rot.
Using dental floss is important and will protect you from these gum diseases. If you don’t know how to form a habit of it, here are some tips for flossing your teeth.
1. Use Traditional Floss
While the ever-changing market would have us believe that more complicated methods are better for keeping our teeth clean, Dr. Palmer recommends using traditional floss. Instead of wasting money on a new product, stick to what you are familiar with. There is a reason that traditional dental floss is trusted.
2. Know When To Floss
You don’t need to make your routine complicated. Instead of scrupulously flossing every hour, wait until the end of the day when you are brushing your teeth. Flossing will help you to reach a more thorough cleanse that will last for hours.
3. Floss Using The “C-Shape” Method
Many people do not floss their teeth because they were never taught the best way to do it. Dr. Palmer suggests we use the “C-Shape” Method, wrapping the string around our middle fingers and making a C shape that will hug the sides of our teeth. Using our thumbs to control the string, we can remove unwanted bits of food.
4. Don’t Skip A Day
When you are starting a flossing habit, skipping for a day makes it easier to forget in the future. Treat each of the activities equally, as they all help keep our mouths clean. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing combine to prevent painful infections that could lead to losing teeth.
5. See Your Dentist
Even after you have established a habit of flossing your teeth, you should visit your dentist regularly. Keeping your teeth clean at home prevents plaque buildup and infection, but it won’t block these things forever. Your dentist can check for cavities you’re blind to and give advice on how to tighten up your cleansing routine.
Get Started Today
Habit-forming is tricky, but when it’s linked to our health it is necessary. If you haven’t picked up good flossing habits, it’s never too late. We all want healthy teeth, and the measures to be taken are very simple. Don’t wait any longer!
If you want more flossing tips or need any other form of dental care, our amazing team at Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS can help! To schedule an appointment, call us at 513-631-6600 or fill out an online form.