How to Floss Your Teeth
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How to Floss Your Teeth in Sacramento, CA
Most people brush their teeth, even doing it twice a day to keep them cleaner, but often forget another important part of oral hygiene: flossing. People know they should do it. Your dentist in Sacramento has advised you many times to floss. People often take it lightly, do not know how to do it, or forget it because it isn’t part of their routine.
Here’s the thing. Flossing does work. It gets stuff out from between your teeth that your brush can’t reach. When you know how to floss, it takes very little time. There are options like water flossers and floss picks to make it faster, easier, and more convenient. The point is to do it one way or another.
Why flossing in Sacramento, CA, matters
Your toothbrush cleans the flat surfaces of your teeth pretty well. The front, the back, and the chewing part on top. But it can't get between your teeth. The brush has wide bristles, whereas the plaque and tartar are built in tight spaces that the brush can’t reach. If you leave it there, it hardens into tartar. That's when cavities and gum problems start. Flossing clears out the stuff your brush misses.
How To Floss
Pull out about 18 inches of floss. Wind most of it around one finger and a little bit around the same finger on your other hand. Hold the floss between your thumb and pointer finger on both hands. Slide it back and forth between two teeth. Don't snap it into the gums. That hurts. After inserting the floss between your teeth, curve it into a C shape and slide it up and down just under the gumline. Do the same between every tooth in your mouth, and repeat the up-and-down motion at least 5 times. Remember, do not miss the back teeth, as that is where most food items get stuck.
Try a water flosser
If you do not like regular flossing, you can try a water flosser. It is a tool that shoots water between your teeth just under the gums. It is not as efficient at scraping out plaque, but it flushes out our food and bacteria. On the other hand, it cleans the gum pockets the way regular floss cannot. Patients with braces or bridges find them easier to work with.
For the healthiest teeth, the ideal routine will be brushing, string flossing, and a water flosser. A dentist in Sacramento knows people cannot do all three, so the appropriate option is to choose one more option, with brushing. The most recommended by dentists are brushing + dental floss or brushing + a water flosser. The goal is to clean between your teeth one way or another every day. Want product recommendations? Ask our team at Samuel Dental Care in Sacramento, CA, next time you come in for a visit.
Book Your Appointment Today
Ready to take control of your dental health? Contact Samuel Dental Care today to schedule a check-up, discuss cavity prevention, or start treatment. We’re here to provide you with the personalized, high-quality care you deserve!