1. Floss Your Way to a Healthy Smile
When the dentist asks if you've been flossing regularly, do you find yourself exaggerating a bit when you say that you do, in fact, floss every day? There's a reason why your dentist wants you to floss every day. Every time you floss, you're removing bacteria and plaque from in between your teeth and gums, which helps prevent gum disease and gingivitis from developing. It also polishes the surface of your teeth and gives you better breath. Brushing alone can't fully protect you from gum disease and gingivitis, so even if you haven't flossed much in the past, it's time to start.
2. The Risks Are No Walk in the Park
Studies have shown that people who have gum disease, also called periodontitis, are at a greater risk for developing heart and respiratory disease. If you have diabetes, periodontitis can negatively affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Plus, women who have periodontitis are much more likely to give premature birth to their babies than women who have healthy gums. So, if you're not flossing regularly, you're putting yourself at risk for much more serious conditions than you may have thought.
3. Your String of Choice
You have a lot of options when choosing the right dental floss for you. You can go for waxed or unwaxed nylon dental floss, or you can get dental ribbon, which is smoother and less likely to tear. Another great option is to buy a dental flosser, which does the work for you. If you have braces or bridge work in your mouth, don't fret. You can use a floss threader to slide the floss underneath your dental work so that you can still clean those hard-to-reach places.
4. Master the Technique
Tear off an 18-inch piece of floss and wind it around your two middle fingers. Leave at least 1 to 2 inches of floss in between your fingers. Grab the floss with your index fingers and thumbs and gently glide the floss in between each of your top and bottom teeth. Make sure to move the floss around the sides of your teeth and slightly below your gumline without snapping the floss. Adjust the floss as you move it around your mouth so that you use a clean section of floss between each tooth.
5. No More Excuses
Flossing really doesn't take much time, so get in the habit of flossing once to twice a day. Keep your dental floss right next to your toothpaste or toothbrush so that you don't forget. If you live with someone, make a habit of flossing together each night before bed so that you'll hold each other accountable. Make sure to take your dental floss with you on trips or vacations so that you can keep up the good habit.
