Brushing, flossing, and visiting your Edmonton dentist are the three most important components of maintaining good oral health. Unfortunately, many people aren't paying as much attention as they should be to how well they are flossing. At Westmount Dental Centre, a family dentist in Edmonton, we always make sure that our patients understand why flossing is so important and how to do it right.
Here are six steps to follow to make sure you are flossing correctly. Step 1 - Pick the flossing product you are most likely to use The most important part of flossing is actually getting into the habit of it in the first place, and the best way to do this is to pick a flossing product you are actually going to use. You can choose between flavoured floss, waved floss, unwaxed floss, thick floss, thin floss, flossing sticks, and even a special device known as a water flosser. Step 2 - Make sure you floss every tooth on every side Flossing is best done systematically, working from tooth to tooth. Make sure you get both sides of each tooth, moving the floss at least three or four times from the top of the tooth down to the gum line. Step 3 - Be firm but gentle with the floss When you move your floss down towards your gums, be careful to do so gently. Don't snap the floss down quickly into the gums, as this can cause pain and bleeding. Many people quit flossing because they mistakenly use too much force when they first try to get into the habit of it. Step 4 - Brush your teeth Most Edmonton dentists recommend that you floss before brushing your teeth. Flossing clears away plaque and debris, allowing more exposure around the teeth and gums to the fluoride in the toothpaste. Step 5 - Floss every day Even more important than if you floss before or after brushing is that you simply endeavour to floss at least once a day. This is because plaque begins to harden into tartar after only 24 hours. Tartar can quickly lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease, and can only be removed with a professional cleaning. A good daily flossing will help keep tartar at bay. Step 6 - Ask your West Edmonton dentist for more tips and pointers Everyone's teeth, gums, and oral health are unique. While the above tips provide a good flossing guideline, you should also follow any personalized tips and pointers that your Edmonton family dentist gives you. Flossing may seem simple, but it can also be tricky, and there's nothing wrong with asking for help. During a routine teeth cleaning and examination at Edmonton's Westmount Dental Centre, our dentists and hygienists can let you know whether your flossing habits are working out for you or if there are some areas where you need to improve. Schedule an appointment with Westmount Dental Centre for your routine checkup today.