Everything you need to know about flossing

Flossing is one of the most important life habits you can establish when it comes to good oral hygiene and maintaining your dental health. It removes food particles that have become stuck between your teeth that regular brushing does not remove. It’s most likely that your dentist or hygienist has recommended that you floss every day. There’s also a pretty big chance that you don’t floss daily, and for some people even on a regular basis. You might not even floss at all.

Improper flossing can lead to tooth and gum damage, so it’s important you do it correctly.

How does one floss?

1. Take about 18 – 20 inches of dental floss.
2. Wind one end to each middle finger of both hands, leaving only 1-2 inches for your teeth.
3. Place it in between 2 teeth and gently slide up and down and back and forth, but don’t touch the gums.
4. When you reach the gum line, gently maneuver the floss to enter the space between the gums and teeth without harming your gums.
5. Repeat with each tooth and with each tooth wind out a new section of the floss.

One option that can make flossing easier is to use a waterpik. A waterpik is a device that cleans between the teeth and along the gum line by using a gentle stream of water. Think of it as a small pressure washer for the mouth. It is great for flushing out plaque and bacteria and is a lot more fun than manual dental floss.

Water Flossing vs. Conventional Flossing

One major advantage of water flossing is that it is much more gentle on your gums. It is less painful and doesn’t cause bleeding as improper manual flossing can. This can take the fear out of flossing, leading to better oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Waterpiks are simple to use and are much more effective at cleaning between your teeth and along the gumline than traditional string floss. It’s like upgrading from that old floor model television to a slim flat screen tv. You’ll be amazed at the difference!

Many waterpik users have seen a complete elimination of bleeding gums and gum disease.

Types of Water Flossers

The majority of waterpiks on the market use a hollow tube connected to a water reservoir and is quite similar to the way a common coffee maker works. The water is sent through the tube into a nozzle that shoots gently pressurized water onto the teeth and gums in a concentrated stream.

This is the most common form of water flosser on the market, but there are other options available.

Another type of water flosser has its water reservoir directly inside the handle of the pressure washing tool, allowing the Waterpik to be completely self-contained and cordless. Some are even battery-powered, eliminating the need for a power cord. The small water reservoir can be a drawback, however, as you will need to keep refilling it if you are not finished cleaning your teeth.

Another less popular style is a water flosser that attaches directly to your faucet. This type can be more challenging to work with, and since it occupies your faucet, is not the first choice for most users. One benefit though is that you never have to worry about a water reservoir.

Regardless of the type of flossing you choose to do, your dentist or hygienist will be quite pleased that you are flossing daily as you should. Regular flossing greatly reduces the likelihood that you will develop gum disease by removing plaque and bacteria, and will reduce instances of bleeding gums. Proper flossing and regular teeth cleaning Montreal lead to happy smiles!

Alpha Dental Clinic was established in 2009 with the goal of offering affordable dental clinic services to all. Our dental clinics are conveniently located on the South Shore in Brossard and Montreal, offering procedures ranging from dental implants to orthodontics and regular care and check-ups. All in several languages!