Flossing – an Important Part of Good Oral Health

Posted on February 7, 2013

Good oral health involves more than just brushing your teeth. Having a healthy mouth and bright smile isn’t a matter of luck – it’s a matter of habit. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. Floss is a tool used to remove plaque from the tight spaces between the teeth and under the gums. Plaque causes tartar while it’s in its early form.

Flossing helps prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Bacteria growing in an unhealthy mouth can harm the rest of the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

How to use dental floss:

1. Cut off about 18 inches of floss and hold it tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
2. Guide it between your teeth using a gentle, rubbing motion.
3. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around one tooth.
4. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss in up and down motions.
5. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, remembering to floss the back side of your teeth.

These are small, simple steps that can have a big impact on your long-term health.

Categories: Feb2013FF, Newsletter