How To Floss Your Teeth The Right Way

How To Floss Your Teeth The Right Way

Many of us question the need to floss everyday. Aren’t brushing your teeth at least twice a day, cutting down on sweet and sugary snacks, and visiting the dentist for scaling and polishing enough? The simple answer to this question is; No, there is still a need for you to floss your teeth at least once a day. 

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Reasons To Floss Your Teeth Everyday

The reason for this is to avoid plaque formation between the teeth. Our dentists at Dental Essence highly recommend flossing because it is the best tool against interproximal  plaque formation. Why must we fight plaque aggressively? This is because plaque is the number one reason for tooth decay. It can also cause many other dental problems such as gum disease, and bad breath, among others.

Although brushing your teeth twice a day can help avoid plaque, floss helps additionally reach places between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot. On top of that, flossing can also polish the surface of your teeth. 

The most common reason as to why many do not floss is because of the conception that flossing is time consuming. However, once you get used to it, you will realise that you can get it done in no time at all! If you only floss once a day, the best time to floss is at night before you sleep. Keep reading to find out the proper way to floss plus tips to make the process easy! 

The Right Way To Floss Your Teeth

Flossing the right way will help you maintain your dental health and avoid dental problems. Flossing can also help with maintaining whiter teeth. If you are ready to start flossing your teeth, follow these steps to ensure that you are getting the most benefits out of your flossing session. 

The recommended floss length is 18 inches of floss when you begin flossing. Then, wind both sides of your floss around each middle finger. Leave about two inches of floss in between to work on your teeth. 

Next, gently move your floss between each tooth by holding it between your thumbs and index finger. Make sure that you go beneath the gum lines by curving the floss around the base of your teeth. Do this gently to avoid cutting or bruising your gum tissues. 

For each tooth, use a new section of the floss. Lastly, remove the floss by pulling it up with a back and forth movement to give it one last clean and to avoid the floss from breaking.  

Types of Floss

There are two types of floss, Nylon Floss or Multifilament Floss and PTFE Floss or Monofilament floss that you can attain from your local drugstore.

Nylon Floss or Multifilament Floss

Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties, as well as a range of flavours. Since this floss is made up of numerous strands of nylon, it can break or shred when used in between teeth with tight contact areas.

PTFE Floss or Monofilament Floss 

Single strand (PTFE) floss is more costly, it is able to glide smoothly between teeth, even in small areas, and is practically resistant to getting shredded. Both forms of floss are effective at eliminating plaque and particles when used with the correct technique.

Other Options for Floss

If you find yourself struggling with any of these floss, you can opt for other tool variations. For instance, you can use floss picks, or water flossing among other alternatives to floss. No matter what tool you use, you can get a sparkling smile by flossing everyday! 

Dental Essence Clinic

Need further assistance with your dental needs? At Dental Essence, an array of dental services are available to ensure your dental health. We prioritise your comfort and strive to provide accurate and professional services for the best dental care experience. If you have dental related problems you would like to have us take a look at, give us a call to book a consultation where we can treat the problems at its root! 

Contact

Tel: 6733 9433

Whatsapp: 8322 3982 

Address 

127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247922

Email

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Opening Hours 

Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturdays: 9am – 1pm
Sundays: Closed
Public Holidays: Closed