Did you know that only 16% of people floss regularly and 27% don’t floss at all? To put those numbers into perspective, in a recent national survey by Decima Research, scientists found that nearly 3 out of 4 Canadians are at risk of developing gum disease and tooth loss because of poor flossing habits. So if you’re one of the statistics above that has a high chance of developing a serious oral condition in your lifetime, you should take preventative action now. All you need to do is start taking better care of your oral health and remember to floss.
Make Sure To Floss Daily
Most people stop flossing because of bleeding gums. However, finding a little blood when you first start flossing is completely normal and should stop within about a week. As a rule of thumb, the more you floss, the healthier your gums become. To eliminate the bleeding, we recommend flossing at least once a day. To ensure you don’t forget, just simply implement it as part of your bedtime brushing routine.
Choose The Best Floss For Your Teeth
Did you know that there are other types of floss out there besides nylon? You may not have noticed, but there are a variety of floss types on the market that have different uses, qualities and price ranges. For instance, single-filament floss is a little more expensive but it won’t shred like nylon floss will, and it’s designed to slide more easily between the teeth. If you suffer from sensitive teeth and gums, there’s a type called Comfort Floss that can help. So if you don’t like the type of floss that you’re using, you should talk to your dentist to find out which one is best for you.
Learn How To Hold It
There’s also a right way and a wrong way to hold the floss. The correct way involves wrapping the floss around your middle fingers to anchor it. Once the floss is secure, you should use your index finger and thumb to position the floss in between the teeth. This will allow you to gain more control over the floss and prevent from snapping it up into the gum line and cutting the gums.
Use A ‘C’ Like Motion
To get the most out of flossing, you also need to utilize the proper techniques. This includes using a ‘C’ like motion when the floss makes contact with the gums. You can do this by curving it around the tooth and then gently moving it up and down to get right under the gum line.
Try A Flossing Aid
If you struggle with flossing or have mobility issues, a flossing aid can help. There are many different types – from water flossers to wooden plaque removers – that are designed to make flossing easier and more efficient. To find out which option is best for you we recommend talking to your dentist.
To get the most out of flossing and proper dental care, it should start with a trip to your dentist. At Rockcliffe Dental, we will show you how to take proper care of your teeth and recommend any options that can help make flossing easier.
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