Flossing Important For Healthy Oral Hygiene

One of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy oral hygiene is to floss every day, at least twice a day. Although this may seem like a simple thing to do, it may surprise you as to how many people skip flossing when brushing their teeth. Oftentimes, patients who visit my Beverly Hills practice ask about ways to improve their oral hygiene only to be told to brush and floss at least two times a day.

If you are simply brushing your teeth without flossing, there are food particles, sugar, and other cavity causing elements left behind. These are better removed with floss, which is why I must reiterate the importance of this practice.

Not sure if you’re flossing properly? Follow this technique in order to gain optimal effectiveness:

• Choose a type of dental floss that you like.
• Tear off 18 inches of floss.
• Wrap the ends of the floss around either your middle or index finger on each hand.
• Grip the floss tightly between your thumb and finger.
• Gently insert the dental floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss or you could damage your gums.
• Move the floss gently back and forth against the tooth on both sides and underneath the gum line. Repeat this process in between all of the upper and lower teeth.
• Be sure to floss against the backside of a tooth even if there is no tooth behind it.

If for any reason you cannot use traditional floss, there are devices that can be used as alternatives, such as dental flossers. Although these are more expensive, there are also vibrating flossers that provide a massage to the gums when used. Regardless of the type of floss you choose, be sure to use it daily. This can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral hygiene problems.

You may learn more regarding maintenance for a healthy smile during a consultation at my practice near Los Angeles. If you are searching for a qualified and compassionate cosmetic dentist, feel free to schedule an appointment at my office.

• Porcelain Veneers
• Whitening Dentistry
• Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
• Dental Implants
• Sedation Dentistry
• Dental Bonding
• Invisalign®

We find that many of our patients have questions about what is possible, review our procedures at your own leisure.