A lot has been learned about dental care in recent years, but it has long been known that brushing and flossing are the first lines of defense against bacteria and decay. However, failing to floss properly can leave teeth just as vulnerable as they were before you began.
Are you making one of these mistakes?
1. Failing to clean the sides of the two teeth the floss touches means that the job is not being done correctly. Just pulling the floss into the crevice and back out is not enough.
2. Reusing a dirty section of floss for each of the gaps between your teeth means that you are spreading bacteria rather than removing it.
3. Forcing the floss into position in one motion can injure the gums. If two teeth are packed tightly together, gently work the floss into place by moving it back and forth.
4. Forgetting to pay attention to the open side of the backmost molars is ensuring that the surface is left susceptible to plaque and tartar build-up and therefore likely to face decay in the future.
5. Rushing through the flossing rather than taking time to follow a pattern can mean that you miss teeth along the way.
6. Attempting to use traditional floss with dental fixtures can mean that the job is not done correctly or at all. Superfloss or floss threaders can be used in its place to ensure the areas around wires, bridges, and other corrective pieces are cleaned effectively.
Keep reading for more common mistakes when flossing.
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