Every day dentists are asking their patients those four words they dread to hear, “Have you been flossing?”. People tend to skip flossing because they either think that their toothbrush is doing a good enough job or they find flossing to be too complicated to perform. None of these are true. While your toothbrush does a great job of cleaning the outside of your teeth, flossing is the only way to remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up between them. It is absolutely necessary to keep your teeth healthy. Here are 3 tips to improve your flossing.

Tip 1: Don’t Floss Too Hard

Quite a few people believe you have to floss vigorously between every tooth, going up and down over and over with brute force. This can actually do more harm than good and cause damage to your gums and teeth. A gentle yet firm motion between each tooth is enough to prevent plaque from building up.

Tip 2: Floss Before You Brush

When you floss, you remove plaque and other bacteria from between your teeth, but some of those particles may land on the outside of your teeth and continue to wear down your enamel. Brushing after flossing allows you to brush away those particles, providing you with a more thorough cleaning.

Tip 3: Pick The Right Floss For Your Smile

You have numerous options to choose from whether it’s waxed, unwaxed, thick, or comfort floss. You also have picks, water flossers, or pre-threaded flossers. Make sure whatever product you choose has the ADA Seal of Approval. Your dentist can help you choose an option that works best for your smile and lifestyle.

You Take Care Of Your Smile At Home, We’ll Handle The Rest

Regular checkups with your dentist can ensure you have the best smile possible. Contact us at our local Shrewsbury, MA office at 508-842-8838.