The Best Effortless And Simple Flossing Tips

The Best Effortless And Simple Flossing Tips

Flossing and brushing go hand in hand to keep your teeth clean, combat plaque buildup, and, of course, fight bad breath. While brushing removes plaque and food particles from most surfaces, flossing targets those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and below the gum line. If plaque is left unremoved, it can harden into tartar, an abrasive substance that accumulates along the gum line and contributes to oral health issues. Tartar can only be removed by your dentist.

To ensure your teeth, gums, and mouth remain in top condition, we recommend following the steps below.

How to Properly Floss Your Teeth

If you’re already a regular flosser, that’s great! However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re using the correct technique to effectively remove plaque from your teeth.

1. Guide the floss directly down, maintaining contact with one tooth, and use an up-and-down motion as if you’re wiping the surface. Avoid sawing back and forth, as this can harm your gums. Instead, glide the floss smoothly up and down the tooth.
2. Repeat the same motion along the side of the adjacent tooth. These instructions apply regardless of the type of flossing tool you’re using.
3. Continue flossing all your upper and lower teeth. It may help to work in a clockwise direction, starting with your upper molars on the left side and ending with your lower molars on the left side.
4. Once you’re done, discard the used floss. Using it again won’t be as effective and could leave bacteria in your mouth.

Flossing or Brushing First?

Studies have shown that flossing before brushing with fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque compared to the reverse order. Flossing first enhances fluoride retention between your teeth because it loosens bacteria, plaque, and other residues. When followed by brushing and rinsing with water, more particles are flushed out from those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth.

How Often Should You Floss?

The Australian Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. If you can manage to do it twice a day, even better. Ideally, floss each time you brush your teeth. However, if you’re short on time, prioritise flossing before bedtime for optimal results.

Is Flossing Painful?

Flossing should not cause pain. If you apply too much pressure, you risk damaging the tissue between your teeth. Conversely, being too gentle may not effectively remove food particles. It’s normal to experience some discomfort initially, but with daily brushing and flossing, any discomfort should subside within a week or two. If you continue to experience pain, consult our team of dentists.

Overcoming Flossing Challenges

If using traditional floss proves difficult, there are alternatives available. Try floss picks, water flossing devices, or various specialised flossing tools. Regardless of the method you choose, cleaning between your teeth is essential to maintain a radiant smile.

Children should also clean and floss their teeth! Start as soon as your child’s teeth touch each other.

We recommend scheduling regular appointments with our hygienists for professional teeth cleaning. As the leading provider of comprehensive dental treatments in Australia, our friendly team is here to answer any questions you may have.