Chicago Family Dentistry
While brushing twice a day does wonderful things for a
person’s teeth and mouthwash provides benefits as well, flossing should be
added to the mix on a daily basis as well. In order for flossing to be
effective, it needs to be done correctly. Like all things, if it is worth
doing, it is worth doing well.
The first thing to do for flossing is brush the teeth with
toothpaste. This removes a lot of the big stuff from between the teeth and lets
the floss perform its job better when it is employed. Next, tear of about a
foot and a half of dental floss. Wind a bunch of it around the middle finger of
one hand. A lot more should be wound around the other middle finger.
While holding the center part of the floss between the
thumbs and forefingers, direct the floss between two teeth by gently rubbing it
back and forth. Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve the floss around one
of the teeth and gently slide it back and forth in the crevice between the
tooth and the gum. At this point, it is important to hold the floss against the
side of the tooth. Then run up and down to ensure that the maximum amount of
stuff is removed from between the teeth.
Repeat this process for all of the teeth, including the back
side of the very last molar. As one part of the floss gets worn out, move along
through the extra that is wound around one’s fingers.
Some people have teeth that are very close together and so
have issues getting floss to fit between their teeth. If this is a problem,
there is dental tape. Dental tape is thinner and can usually solve this issue.
Contact a Chicago
Dentist
If you are worried about your teeth or are due for a
cleaning, contact the Chicago dentists of Advanced Family Dental Associates at 773-767-1554.