Every day, all around the world, dentists asks their patients those four words they dread to hear, “Have you been flossing?”. People tend to skip flossing because they think their toothbrush does a good enough job or find flossing to be too complicated to perform. Neither of these is true. While your toothbrush does a good job of cleaning the outside of your teeth, flossing is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria between them. It is absolutely necessary to keep your teeth healthy. Here is a flossing FAQ to help you out.
Question 1: How Hard Should I Floss?
Answer: Quite a few people believe you have to floss vigorously between every tooth, going up and down over and over. This can actually do more harm than good and cause damage to your gums and teeth. A gentle yet firm motion between each tooth is enough to prevent plaque from building up.
Question 2: Should I Floss Or Brush First?
Answer: When you floss, you remove plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth, but some of those particles may land on the outside of your teeth and continue to eat away at your enamel. Brushing after flossing allows you to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning.
Question 3: What Type Of Floss Should I Use?
Answer: You have many options to choose from- waxed, unwaxed, thick, or comfort floss. You also have picks, pre-threaded flossers, or water flossers. Make sure whatever product you choose has the ADA Seal of Approval. Your dentist can help you choose an option that works best for your smile and lifestyle.
Brush, Floss, And Visit Us
Regular checkups with your dentist can ensure you have the best smile possible. Contact us at our local Austin, TX office at 512-250-9444.
