How (and Why) to Floss Better

You know you should floss your teeth to eliminate dangerous bacteria that live between teeth, but are you as committed to this daily hygiene practice as you should be? If you’re among the 32% of Americans who admit to never flossing or the 37% who fail to floss daily, read on to learn how to improve this habit. 

Dr. Kenn Kakosian and the friendly team at DentAlign NYC assist with general dentistry and help you with the overall care of your teeth, gums, and tongue. We encourage you to treat flossing as a nonnegotiable habit. 

Read more to learn how to floss your teeth quickly but effectively and why this is a paramount habit.

Why flossing is important

The thin strands of dental floss make it easier to navigate between your teeth and remove food particles that your toothbrush can leave behind. When these particles get trapped at or below the gumline, they can solidify into plaque. 

When plaque hardens into dental tartar, your toothbrush won’t be strong enough to remove it. You then need the help of a dental professional. 

When flossing daily, you remove errant food particles and protect your teeth from overdeveloping plaque and tartar, which saves you time in the dental chair and protects you from dental decay and disease.

The benefits of daily flossing

Daily flossing helps reduce the development of plaque, which can then:

• Prevent cavities
• Reduce and prevent halitosis, or bad breath
• Prevent early gum disease or gingivitis
• Protect your heart

Flossing is as important as brushing for oral health, and doing it at least one to two times daily helps you keep your teeth and smile healthy.

The effects of NOT flossing

When you skip flossing, you put yourself at risk for a host of oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. 

Not flossing increases the bacteria levels in your mouth, which affects total body inflammation. If you’re living with a chronic condition, especially heart disease or diabetes, flossing becomes that much more vital.

Improving your flossing skills

When you sit down at DentAlign NYC for teeth cleaning, flossing is part of the visit. Your provider is happy to show you the best ways to get in and around your unique set of teeth to protect your smile and overall health. 

Follow these tips to floss your teeth at home properly:

1. Start by holding about 18 inches of floss and an inch taut between two fingers.
2. Use those floss-holding fingers to guide the strip between each tooth, sliding it carefully below your gum line to capture particles. 
3. Use a clean one-inch strip for every tooth, and do this daily.

Flossing is an extra step in your at-home oral care, but it takes just a few moments and helps keep your mouth healthy and your overall health intact.

If you’re due for teeth cleaning or want in-person tips on flossing better, make an appointment at DentAlign NYC today. Call or use this website to book your visit.