It happens to all of us at some point when we visit our dentists. They ask us those four words we dread to hear: “Have you been flossing?”. People tend to skip flossing because they think their toothbrush does a good enough job or they might find flossing to be too complicated to perform. Neither of these is true. It is absolutely necessary to keep your teeth healthy. Flossing is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that gathers between your teeth. Here are some tips to improve your flossing.

Don’t Floss Too Hard

Quite a few people believe you have to give some extra elbow grease when flossing between every tooth, going up and down briskly over and over. This can actually cause damage to your gums and teeth. A gentle yet firm motion between each tooth will do just fine to prevent plaque from building up.

Floss Before You Brush

When you floss, you remove plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth, but some of those particles may land on the outside of your teeth and continue to eat away at your enamel, leading to cavities and gum disease. Brushing after flossing allows you to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning.

Consider Your Options

You have a variety of options to choose from- thick, waxed, unwaxed, or comfort floss. You also have picks, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers. Whatever product you choose, make sure it has the ADA Seal of Approval. Your dentist can help you choose an option that works best for your smile and lifestyle.

Make Sure To Visit Us

Regular checkups with our dentists can ensure that you have the best possible smile. Contact us at our local Sheridan, WY office at 307-429-2707.