Oral Flossing Techniques: Mastering the Art of Interdental Cleaning

Oral Flossing Techniques: Mastering the Art of Interdental Cleaning

Studies show a strong connection between failing to floss correctly and gum disease. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly are keys to preventing conditions such as gingivitis, infections, persistent bad breath, and the need for tooth extractions. At Herbert Family Dentistry in Lafayette, Louisiana, we are committed to helping our community members maintain their beautiful smiles. We hope these flossing and interdental cleaning tips prove helpful.

Benefits of Flossing Regularly

It’s important to remember that oral hygiene practices do more than keep teeth and gums healthy. Flossing, brushing, and other interdental cleaning processes remove harmful bacteria that can impact your entire body. One positive benefit is boosting your immune system.

On the other hand, the harmful agents associated with mouth infections, tooth decay, and gum disease mix with saliva. When you swallow, you effectively introduce germs into your windpipe, lungs, and bloodstream, inviting serious health conditions. That’s why oral hygiene is part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Flossing Products Worth Considering

Efficient teeth cleaning requires appropriate products. As you may have noticed when walking through a pharmacy or supermarket, flossing and dental hygiene options are scarce. These are products worth considering.

  • Types of Floss: Consumers generally have two options — waxed or unwaxed floss. Both can get the job done, but waxed products tend to fray less and not get caught between teeth as quickly. Waxed options with a minty taste may be best for encouraging children to practice flossing daily.
  • Flossing Tools: The floss pick has gained popularity, and it can be ideal for people who struggle to get strands between their teeth. These include products with a strand of floss and those designed to be inserted, much like a wooden toothpick. Using a powered water pick can also help supplement flossing. Although forced water may not remove items lodged deep between teeth, the right product can wash excess plaque and food bits away after flossing.

If you have any questions or concerns about new flossing products, please ask us during your next visit. We do our best to follow emerging oral hygiene techniques and products that further patient health and well-being.

Effective Flossing Techniques

We recommend three easy-to-use flossing techniques that have been proven effective at removing items stuck between teeth. While all three work, everyday people have unique ways of negotiating oral hygiene that may make one more preferable than another.

C-Shape Technique

Cut a strand of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. Wrap a portion of the floss around a finger on each hand. Using your thumbs as a guide, insert the strand between each tooth. Stop when you feel the floss touch your gums. Gently run the floss up one side of the tooth and theDental n the other. Repeat this process on every crevice and slide the floss to ensure a clean portion is used each time.

Loop Method

Tie an 18-inch piece of dental floss in a loop. Insert your four fingers — thumb excluded — through the loop. Use your index fingers for the lower jaw and thumbs for the upper teeth to guide the strand between each gap. Follow the same technique of flossing up each side to remove bits of food and plaque.

Dental Floss Picks

Although floss picks rank among the practical items used in oral hygiene, they must be used appropriately. Avoid driving the floss strand into the gums, which may cause a cut or abrasion. Remember to run the strand up each side of the tooth rather than fall into a common sawing habit.

Avoid Poor Flossing Habits

Interdental cleaning strategies must be practiced daily by people of all ages to deliver maximum health benefits and buoy their brilliant smiles. That being said, here are a few don’ts to keep in mind.

  • Don’t use the same strand or an unclean strand of floss.
  • Don’t push the floss below the gumline.
  • Don’t substitute sanitized floss products with thread or other materials.

Always floss before brushing and rinse your mouth with water or an approved mouthwash whenever possible.

Schedule a Cleaning with Hebert Family Dentistry in Lafayette

We hope these flossing and cleaning tips help you and your loved ones avoid cavities and gum disease and maintain the smile you deserve. If you are overdue for a cleaning or checkup, contact Hebert Family Dentistry today.