Proper Flossing Techniques from the Dentist Homer Glen, IL, Trusts

Most people think that flossing is intended to remove particles of food that are caught between teeth. That’s true, but it’s only half the story. Flossing allows you to remove plaque that builds up between your teeth every day. Actually, plaque accumulates in all areas of the mouth. Effective brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but only flossing can get in those tight spaces between your teeth. Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo and his team of dental hygienists and dental assistants in Homer Glen, IL, are committed to helping you and your family enjoy a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles. With this in mind, we’d like to offer some suggestions for making your at-home flossing the best it can be.

First, why is it so important to remove plaque? This natural substance can lead to several unnatural conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria that cause these can become trapped in plaque. If left on your teeth, the bacteria feed on the sugars in food and produce acids that lead to cavities. Plaque can also irritate your gums and cause both gingivitis and periodontitis, the early and latter stages of gum disease. Visible signs of this common condition include red, swollen and bleeding gums; bad breath; receding gums; pus; and shifting or loose teeth. Furthermore, the bacteria associated with gum disease has been linked to compromised health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and dementia.

Flossing 101

For the short amount of time necessary to floss, the pay-off is considerable. You may be able to avoid the above-mentioned oral and general health concerns simply by taking a few minutes to floss well. Here’s how:

• Choose whatever type of floss you favor—mint or unflavored, waxed or non-waxed, dental floss or dental tape.
• Tear off about 18 inches of floss and comfortably wrap the majority of the string around the middle fingers on both hands. Leave about two inches stretched between your hands that you can grasp with your forefingers and thumbs.
• Guide the floss between each pair of teeth, working your way along both your upper and lower arches of teeth. Move the floss up and down against one tooth and then against the other. Gently floss all the way down to the gum line, but be careful not to snap the floss against this soft tissue.
• As you advance from one pair of teeth to the next, advance the floss by releasing what you have wound around one finger and taking it up on the other. This way, you are able to use a clean section of floss between each set of teeth.

Call Our Office Today

If you need to schedule a dental checkup or if you would like to learn more about at-home dental hygiene, call Dr. DeAngelo and his dedicated Homer Glen, IL team.