Even if you are very conscientious about brushing, it is entirely possible that you often overlook that small container of dental floss gathering dust in your medicine cabinet, or in your bathroom drawer. And let’s face it, when you are getting ready to leave in the morning, you’re in a hurry and you need to brush your teeth and get on your way. At night, you’re ready for bed after a long day, so you may be thinking about brushing your teeth and hitting the hay.
But, Dr. Chris Fagan in Enid, Oklahoma wants to remind everyone that flossing is important. Flossing is the best way to remove the bacteria and plaque that has accumulated between your teeth that your brush cannot reach. If that bacteria and plaque are not removed, tooth decay and even gum disease can set in, resulting in lost teeth and possibly other health problems. You should floss at least once a day, and many people floss just before bed. If you wear braces, you should floss after every meal.
To floss effectively, start with 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around each of your middle fingers, leaving yourself one to two inches of floss. Hold that section between your thumbs and forefingers, and start flossing at your back teeth, working your way forward. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth. Curve the floss around your tooth and then floss below the gumline, and then away from your gums.
If you have braces, a bridge, or your have mobility issues, you should talk with your dentist about using a floss threader or a water flosser.
If you live in the in Enid, Oklahoma area, Dr. Fagan at would love to spend some time with you discussing your oral hygiene routine, and will be happy to see you for a cleaning and exam. To make an appointment, call 580-233-0043 today.