We all know we’re supposed to floss our teeth. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just too hard to reach those back molars, or we can’t be bothered to get out the floss after a long day. However, flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and there are easy ways to make sure you’re getting those pearly whites clean!
The Benefits of Flossing Your Teeth
Flossing your teeth has a plethora of benefits. Not only does it help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, but it also helps to prevent gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. So basically, by not flossing your teeth, you’re putting yourself at risk for some serious dental problems down the line.
How to Floss Your Teeth
Now that we’ve established why you should be flossing your teeth, let’s talk about how to do it properly. The first step is to choose the right type of floss for you. There are many different kinds of floss on the market, so find one that suits your needs—whether that means flavored or waxed floss. Once you have your supplies, wind 18 inches of floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of slack in between. Next, hold the slack between your thumbs and index fingers and use a gentle rubbing motion to slide the floss between your teeth. Be sure to go under the gumline and use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. When you’re finished, throw away the used floss and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Flossing your teeth may seem like a chore but it’s an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. By taking the time to properly clean your teeth and gums, you can prevent gum disease and tooth loss. And who doesn’t want to keep their pearly whites shining bright?