Flossing

 

Flossing is a key element of your daily oral health hygiene routine. Though you might not think so, flossing is just as important as brushing. Only flossing can reach areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t. Dr. Frederick Shaw, D.D.S. at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, can answer any and all questions you might have about your daily oral routine, including flossing.

One of the best hygiene habits you can have is flossing every time you brush. Establishing a flossing routine is as easy as that. There are a few reasons why people don’t floss regularly. If your teeth are too close together, look into different varieties of floss. Floss comes waxed and unwaxed along with various thicknesses. A common misbelief is that flossing is too time-consuming. In reality, flossing has never been more accessible. Floss can be bought anywhere. Try sitting down to floss while you participate in leisurely activities, like watching TV.

Most patients don’t even realize that they might be flossing wrong. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides a few healthy tips and tricks to flossing correctly.

1. When flossing, use eighteen inches of floss. Wrap the majority of it between your two middle fingers. One finger will twirl out the used floss, the other with the clean floss.

2. Use your thumb and forefinger to guide the floss between the teeth. Be gentle, don’t snap the floss against your gums.

3. Wrap the floss around the tooth in a C shape.

4. Rub along the sides of the tooth in an up and down motion.

5. Throw away your floss when finished.

If you’d like to know more about flossing, or our other provided services, visit Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX. Dr. Frederick Shaw, D.D.S. is available for appointments online and over the phone. Visit our website or call 512-451-7491.