Dental Floss Tips and InspirationBest dental floss and how to use floss threadersDental Floss is the most valuable tool in fighting gum disease. It is also the least popular...
Most hate to floss. It can be messy and may hurt your fingers and your gums. Flossing teeth is not easy at first. However, there is no better way to clean between your teeth and under your gums. So... don't give up:) Once you get past the how to floss learning curve and the sore gum stage, you will be flossing for life.
Awareness
A sense of awareness is important. When you become aware of the plaque on your teeth you will want to remove it by brushing and flossing.
Most people don't notice plaque that has accumulated on their teeth. Pay attention to how your teeth feel before and after flossing and brushing. Double check that every surface feels smooth to your tongue. If you are aware and check closely you will usually find a few stubborn areas that need more attention.
You know how your teeth feel after your dental hygienist does it? Once you get your teeth cleaned, You can keep that smooth clean feeling by flossing and brushing your teeth. Remember, you can improve your health when you floss your teeth. A few flossing tips before you start...
Here's how to floss:
Dental floss should wrap around each tooth and slide between your tooth and gum. If you don't wrap the floss around your tooth, you won't be able to slide it between the tooth and gum and are more likely to cut your gums.
Use a back and forth "sawing" motion only to get the floss between your teeth. Once you feel it pop between your teeth, stop sawing! Wrap it around one tooth and slide the floss up and down...no more back and forth motion. After you clean one tooth, wrap the floss around the other tooth and clean it by sliding your floss up and down. Pop it back out---you can use a sawing motion again to pop it out--if you like, and move to the next contact.
Floss ThreadersA floss threader makes it possible to floss while in dental braces. These clever gadgets are also used for flossing under fixed bridges.Floss threaders can be tedious to use but are worth the extra effort. Once you thread under your bridge or orthodontic wire, floss as usial. Floss threaders are also helpful when food gets stuck in these areas.
Super FlossSuper floss is also used for flossing around dental braces and under fixed bridges. It is one long piece of floss with three sections:
An Ounce of Prevention...You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. It's true for gum disease. Flossing is easier and more effective if you start before gum disease progresses.However, flossing is helpful if you want to prevent or cure gum disease.
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