Most of us know we should do it every day, but many people don’t. What is it? Of course, we’re talking about flossing our teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss your teeth once daily to keep your smile beautiful and your mouth healthy. 

Perhaps we don’t floss as we should because it can seem tedious to do it the right way. Or, maybe we just don’t see the need for it if we brush as we should. Other people may simply forget to floss. Whatever the reason, flossing is an important part of our oral care hygiene, and we should try to do it every day.

In addition, November 26 (the day after Thanksgiving) is National Flossing Day. If ever there were a good time to floss your teeth, it’s right after eating a huge Thanksgiving dinner! With that in mind, the team at Cedar Dental Group wants to devote this blog to the important practice of flossing.

If you have any questions about flossing, brushing, or anything else related to your smile, or if you need to make an appointment for smile care, just give us a call at 425-970-8115 (Renton) 253-563-0315 (Kent) and our friendly team will be glad to help.

Flossing Will Help Keep Your Smile in Top Shape

Daily flossing is important because it removes food particles that get trapped in the nooks and crannies of your teeth. Left alone, this debris can allow bacteria to flourish, which in turn can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. 

Of course, tooth decay usually means a filling is necessary to repair the damage, while gum disease requires a deep cleaning of your gums to restore them to health. You can help avoid these situations by flossing once a day and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.

Know How to Floss For Best Results

So, what is the best way to floss your pearly whites? Here’s how the ADA recommends you do it:

  • Start with a long piece of floss, around 18 inches or so.
  • Wrap the ends around your middle fingers on both hands.
  • Grip the floss firmly between your thumbs and forefingers.
  • Gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth.
  • Move the floss up and down in a smooth motion to remove food particles and plaque.
  • Rinse the floss as needed to keep it clean and allow it to work properly.
  • Be sure to floss between each of your teeth and remember your back teeth as well.

If you prefer to use a floss pick instead of floss, here is a good technique:

  • Gently insert the pick between your teeth and press it against your gums.
  • Work the pick in and out along the edges of your teeth to remove food particles.
  • Rinse the pick as needed to remove debris.
  • Remember to get in between each of your teeth, including the back teeth.

Following these steps every day will yield benefits that include a gorgeous smile, healthy mouth, fresher breath, and confidence that your teeth and gums look their best. Be sure to keep up with your routine dental cleanings and exams as well. These visits help us catch and treat small oral problems before they have the chance to worsen.

Call Cedar Dental Group today at 425-970-8115 (Renton) 253-563-0315 (Kent) to schedule an appointment. You can also make an appointment online.