Your dentist in Tampa has probably drilled into your head the importance of brushing at least twice a day. But, don’t forget what they always say right after! Chances are your dentist in Tampa will also mention to floss at least once a day. This is because it is one of the most important things that can benefit your oral hygiene. Flossing allows you to give your teeth a deeper clean that brushing simply can’t do. Check out why our dentists in Tampa believe you should floss at least once a day!
Why It’s Necessary To Floss Daily
As just mentioned, flossing really gets into those nooks and crannies. Flossing helps to remove the food debris that is trapped in-between your teeth. If left unchecked, bacteria can grow there and cause harm to your teeth and gums. This bacteria is called plaque and can turn into tartar which eats away at your tooth’s enamel. It can also cause cavities, tooth decay, and actually lead to gum disease! Further carelessness can cause even more damage that will require multiple dental procedures.
All of this can easily be avoided by creating a healthy habit of flossing daily. Start this habit early with children as soon as they get teeth that are able to be flossed. Practice with them to help instill this habit for yourself as well!
What Time Of Day Should You Be Flossing?
Dentists agree that you should floss at least once a day. But, when in your busy day should you actually floss? You’ll find plenty of opinions on this but in reality it doesn’t matter as long as you floss. Just find a time that works for you. For example, if you know that you are lazy with your oral hygiene care at night, then try flossing in the morning. Or if you know you rush to brush your teeth in the morning, then try flossing after lunch or right before bed. Find the time that works best for you.
What Is The Proper Way To Floss?
If you are using normal floss, the kind that you pull out in a long string, then you should grab about a foot. Next, you should use a back and forth motion to get the thread in between your teeth. Kind of like if you were sawing something. After that, pull the thread so that it creates a semi-circle around your teeth so that you can reach food debris that is in your gums. Do this with all your teeth. Once you are finished, rinse out your mouth to remove whatever food debris became dislodged.
What Type Of Floss Should I Be Using?
It doesn’t matter which type of floss you use. It could be the traditional string floss or the dental picks. Whatever you use, just make sure you are using it correctly. If you are unsure that you are properly flossing, then ask your dentist. Bring in the floss you use and have your dentist advise you.
If you are interested in learning more about us, then check out more of our helpful posts here. Also feel free to contact us for an appointment at (813) 961-1727. Don’t forget to keep smiling!
