Why Floss Your Teeth?
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. It removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Here are some of the benefits of flossing:
- Reduces your risk of cavities
- Prevents gum disease
- Improves your breath
- Helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy
- Can help to prevent tooth loss
How to floss
- Break off about 45cm of floss.
- Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving about an inch of floss between them.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape against the tooth and gently slide up and down.
- Repeat on all sides of each tooth.
Tips for flossing
- Floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed.
- If your gums bleed when you floss, don't worry. This is usually normal, especially if you haven't been flossing regularly. The bleeding should stop after a few weeks of regular flossing.
- If you have braces or other dental appliances, ask your dentist or hygienist how to floss properly.
If you don't floss, you're at risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. So make sure to floss your teeth once a day to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Here are some additional things you can do to improve your oral health
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- See your dentist for regular checkups.
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods especially in between meals.
- After brushing spit, don’t rinse.
- Quit smoking
By following these tips, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
