{"id":1712,"date":"2022-07-20T10:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T16:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theportdental.ca\/?p=1712"},"modified":"2026-10-04T11:54:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T17:54:44","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-dental-floss-for-oral-hygiene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theportdental.ca\/blog\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dental-floss-for-oral-hygiene\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about dental floss for oral hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Patients are often quizzed by their dentists about their oral hygiene routines, such as how frequently they floss. Most individuals say that cleaning their teeth is something they do regularly, but many people neglect flossing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth decay may be caused by foods that weaken the enamel and, in severe cases, you may need tooth extraction in Calgary<\/a>. Your dental health may be at risk if food gets caught between your teeth and interacts with microorganisms. The enamel of the teeth may be eroded if food is stuck between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Now: Stay aware of these symptoms of periodontal gum disease<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Dental Floss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two popular forms of floss: nylon and PTFE (a smooth, shred-resistant plastic). Both can work well. Dental tape with a flat, wide surface may suit those with large gaps between teeth or receding gums (the loss of gum tissue). A shred-resistant thin floss may be helpful if your teeth are close together. Your dentist or hygienist can suggest the type that suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With braces or bridges, it is vital to have a finer touch to get between the teeth and under any metal or porcelain that may be attached to them. A floss threader, which resembles a giant plastic needle, can help with this. You may also use floss made for braces and bridges, which has a stiff end, a spongy section and regular floss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper Flossing Technique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cut off about 18 inches of floss. Wind it around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving a gap of about three or four inches. You can now use different combinations of your thumbs and index fingers to get the floss between your teeth in all parts of your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must See: Top tips for dealing with painful braces<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/strong>A typical flossing error is to tighten the lips and cheeks, which makes it difficult to insert the floss into the mouth. Take a deep breath and let your muscles relax around your mouth and cheeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a gentle motion, insert the floss between your teeth.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/strong>Keep the floss from snapping into your gums no matter how little the space is. When carefully moving the floss between the teeth, make a sawing motion from side to side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Floss both sides of each gap, taking care not to injure the delicate triangle of gum tissue between your teeth. Let the floss curl around the side of the tooth, producing the letter “C” with your fingertips away from the gum triangle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Must See: How Can Seniors Citizens Take Care of Their Dental Health?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP: <\/strong>You want your fingertips to be as near the tooth’s front and back as possible, moving up and down in unison until you hear a squeaky-clean sound. This is made simpler using wax-free floss. The less floss you have between your fingers, the more flexibility you have when flossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that, slide your fingertips over the gap between the teeth to the opposite side. Repeat the process by applying pressure to your fingers in the other direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n