A simple guide from our dentist on how to floss properly

When you are looking to reduce the chances of tooth decay or to up your dental hygiene, you’ve got to get flossing!

Flossing is an essential part of a healthy oral hygiene routine that can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.

While it may seem like a relatively new thing, it isn’t. Dental flossing is believed to have originated in prehistoric times when it was made from materials such as animal hair or twigs. The more modern version of dental floss was invented in the early 19th century by Levi Spear Parmly, a New Orleans dentist, who advised that his patients use strands of silk to clean between their teeth.

In theory, this is great, but even in 2023, many people don’t know how to floss correctly or skip this step altogether.

But we can help! At Aura Dental, our dentist St. John’s Wood can help you to find the best flossing technique tailored to you, whether it is using traditional floss, dental tape, a water flosser, or a combination of all three.

If you are looking to start flossing today, though, read on! Our dentist St. John’s Wood discusses five tips on flossing your teeth correctly.

Use the right flossing technique

Our dentist St. John’s Wood states that the right flossing technique involves gently inserting the floss between your teeth, moving the tape or floss up and down in a ‘C’ shape around each of your teeth, and making sure to clean below the gum line. Avoid sawing back and forth or snapping the floss, as this can damage the gum tissue.

Choose the right type of floss

Floss comes in different varieties, including waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, and unflavoured. Choose a floss that feels comfortable for you and is easy to use. If you have tightly spaced teeth or braces, you may need a thinner floss or a specialised floss threader to get between teeth. If you have sensitive gums, try to use a softer and thicker floss that is less likely to damage your gums.

Be gentle

Flossing should be gentle and should not cause pain or bleeding. However, if you haven’t flossed regularly, you may experience some initial discomfort or bleeding, which is a sign of gum disease. Be patient and continue flossing regularly, and the discomfort should subside within a week or two. If it doesn’t, or the bleeding gets worse, then you may need to see our team for an assessment.

Floss at least once a day

To maintain good oral hygiene, you should floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. Flossing at this time helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.

Don’t forget to floss the back teeth

Many people forget to floss their back teeth, which are often the most susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Make sure to floss all of your teeth, including the molars in the back of your mouth. You can use a floss pick or water flosser to reach these areas more easily if you are struggling. If you are new to using a water flosser, our team can help you with this, so call us if you are struggling.