The Importance of Flossing

If you have established a good flossing habit, then congratulations! According to a few studies you are among a minority of Americans taking proper care of their teeth.

There is a reason why the dentist asks you every time you visit them if you have been brushing your teeth. It’s simple really; they ask because it’s important. Flossing gets in those small, hard to reach crevices in your mouth which are the same areas that are most likely to get cavities.

Flossing is vital to preventing gum disease and tooth loss, not to mention it can save you a lot of money on dental surgery. Think about it for a second. A two dollar container of floss and about 3-5 minutes of your day can save you a bill for thousands of dollars a few years down the road, not to mention the discomfort.

North Point Periodontics has put together a list of a few tips to help get the most out of your flossing routine.

• Use whatever method that works best for you. Whether it be ribbon floss or a Y-shaped holder be sure to find the method that helps you best get in those hard to reach areas. The North Point Periodontics dentists are more than happy to help you find the right one for you.
• Be gentle. Work the floss between your teeth gently, use a sawing motion. If you force it down you could possibly damage your gums.
• Once in between your teeth, pull the floss sideways to scrape off the insides of your teeth in an up-and-down motion.
• Don’t forget the back of your very last tooth. Because this side is so difficult it often gets forgotten about or simply ignored but a lot of gunk can get left behind there. So make sure you reach back there and get that spot.

Flossing is a chore. However it is one of the most rewarding and important ones you will accomplish all day.