The American Adult Flossing Association reports that only 32% of adults floss daily. The act of flossing may not be the most enjoyable, but it can prevent the accumulation of food debris between your teeth. Therefore, flossing each day prevents tooth decay.
As Americans consume about 152 pounds of sugar per year – and that is just added sugar – it is even more critical today than 100 years ago. In addition to starches and simple carbohydrates, harmful bacteria feed on them.
Wicker Park Dental offers tips on boosting your flossing game to help you enjoy healthier teeth for longer.
Create a flossing chart
Keep a diary to help you get into the habit of daily flossing. It can even be rewarding to use a flossing chart. Use fun stickers or colored pens to keep track of your progress. Give yourself a little reward if you reach your goals at the end of the week.
Experiment with different tools
Flossing can be difficult for those with braces, crowns, and other dental work or those with crowded teeth. You can now choose from pre-threaded flossers, dental picks, and water flossers, in addition to string floss.
Water flossers use a powerful jet of way to remove food debris between teethers. Even though water flossers don’t remove debris quite as effectively as regular floss, they can be helpful for patients with sensitive gums or braces.
Improve your dental floss technique
Use back-and-forth motions to guide the floss between your teeth gently. It is recommended that the dental floss be wrapped around each tooth, including those at the back, and rubbed gently along the sides.
Don’t try to yank out floss that gets stuck between your teeth. You should instead use a pair of tweezers.
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any food particles you loosen.
Floss before bed
Floss before bed if you can only do it once a day. Doing this will eliminate the debris sitting between your teeth all day.
Flossing only in the morning allows food debris to sit between your teeth for many hours longer, increasing the chances of bacteria secreting enamel-damaging acids.
Getting your dream smile is only a few steps ahead.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re looking for a highly rated dental office in Chicago, Illinois. Our dental services include professional cleanings and dental tips.