Flossing is the Most Effective Way to Clean Between Teeth, Braces, and Gum Line

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Even the best toothbrush and toothpaste can’t completely clean every aspect of your mouth. Flossing your teeth immediately after you are done brushing is the most effective way to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line.

If you don’t remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and the gum line, it can harden into tartar which promotes tooth decay and gum disease.

You might want to use waxed floss if you’ve had issues working floss into some of the spaces between teeth. The waxy coating allows it to slip in easily and reduces the risk snapping it into place and possibly injuring your gums. People with braces use floss threaders to work floss beneath their wire.

The ideal flossing technique starts by cutting off a 16 to 18-inch piece of floss, and spooling the excess around your middle fingers. You can then grip the floss firmly between your index finger and thumb to work the strand between your teeth. Once it’s in place you should curve it into U shape to maximize the cleaning area.

It’s important to also floss up into the gum line as well as behind your back teeth. These areas can sometimes be ignored, yet it’s just as likely to harbor plaque and dangerous tartar.

If you have questions about your flossing technique you can call our office and we’d be happy to assist you. We’re always happy to answer your questions. We look forward to seeing you!