We all know that flossing is important for our oral health, but it can be difficult to keep up with. If it isn’t a part of your current dental hygiene routine, or if it’s still a new tool for you, read on to learn some tips and tricks! Flossing is easier than you think, and it’s imperative to include in your daily routine.
Keep it in the routine
If you’re trying to implement flossing into your routine, try to make it a habit. Forming a habit takes a lot of work and repetition, so incorporate flossing into your dental routine and let your mind take over! Once you start flossing regularly, it will become second nature. You’ll notice a difference in your mouth and your mind if you miss a flossing here and there.
The proper technique
When flossing, it is important to not overdo it. A common mistake is to make a “snap” sound while flossing. This is a sign of too much force. Doing so can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums. Your gums are sensitive tissue, so any sort of force can lead to bleeding, cuts, and bruises in the gums. No matter what kind of floss you use, you must be gentle yet thorough with your technique. While holding the floss taut between your fingers, gently slide the floss between each tooth, careful not to push too hard and cause discomfort. Be sure to go beneath the gumline as well, eliminating all food debris from hard-to-reach places. If you take your time, and are thorough with your flossing habits, you will be a master flosser before you know it!
Take note of any issues
It is important to take note of any issues you experience while flossing. This could be bleeding of the gums, pain around certain teeth, or inflammation at the gumline. These could be signs of gingivitis or other oral diseases. If you catch it early on, it is easily reversible. Your gums will get used to the regular flossing, and your mouth will thank you for the healthy habit!
Contact Dr. Sara and her team at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to learn more about how flossing is crucial to your oral health!
