Flossing teeth is crucial to prevent issues like ‘between teeth’ cavities, oral infections, and gum disease. However, the way you floss is also essential.
Let’s examine proper flossing techniques and other oral health tips from your dentists in Dunedin, Otago.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth is a multi-step process, but it is not time-consuming. And doing so can help prevent several oral help conditions. Additionally, brushing and flossing your teeth (shoot for once or twice daily) means fresher breath.
Step #1 Prepare Your Dental Floss
Using a new section as you go, unspool enough floss to clean between teeth. Wrap the floss around one finger on each hand, keeping it taut.
Step #2 Guide the Floss Gently
Move the floss between teeth but never force it. And always follow the natural curves of each tooth to the gumline in a letter C formation.
Step #3 Use Fresh Sections of Floss
As you move to the next tooth, be sure to unwind new sections of dental floss. Otherwise, you are only spreading plaque and bacteria around.
Bonus Oral Health Tips from Your Dunedin Dentist
- Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal is ideal, but if you can’t, shoot for brushing at least twice and flossing once.
- When you brush your teeth, you should spend at least two minutes. You want to clean each tooth on all sides, adopting a circular motion that considers the gums.
- Always brush your teeth gently and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- And remember to report any oral health changes to your dentist, including tooth sensitivity, sores that don’t heal, and bad breath that does not improve through brushing and flossing.
Is It Time for Your Checkup and Teeth Clean in Dunedin?
Brushing and flossing should always be coupled with regular dental visits. If it’s time for your next checkup or if you have questions for our dental team, we encourage you to contact Bell Hill Dental today.
Our dental practice is located at 109 Princes Street in Dunedin, Otago. We happily accept new patients of all ages.
