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Prevention

How to Floss




One of the major causes of tooth loss today is due to gum disease or periodontitis. Plaque and bacteria build up on and between the teeth; their presence serves as a constant irritation for the gums. Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth, areas inaccessible to a toothbrush.


How To Floss:
  • Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.     
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers gently pass the floss between your teeth. Never "snap" the floss; it can cut the gums. If done improperly, it can injure your gums. 
  • When the floss reaches the gums, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth. 
  • Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss while pulling the floss up through the contact (between the teeth). 
  • Repeat this method on all your teeth.  
  • Move to a clean area of floss after each tooth.


1 in 5  Americans have never flossed their teeth! Of those that have picked up a piece of floss, only 1 in 4 have actually used it in the last 6 months!


Flossing Tips


Commercial floss holders are available if you’re having a hard time holding on to the floss.


Children generally do much better when the floss is looped. Take a 1 foot section of floss and tie the ends together forming a loop. Have them hold the floss tightly between their thumbs and forefingers. However, most children cannot floss their own teeth properly until the age of 8-10.


The best way to commit to flossing is by establishing a regular time for it. If you watch Tv in the evenings, jump up and grab some floss at the commercial break (unless a dental add is on, of course).


If your gums bleed initially don’t be alarmed. If you haven’t been flossing regularly the  gums need to be conditioned. Tenderness after flossing the first several times is completely normal. Warm saltwater rinses help to relieve some of the discomfort.


Tender, bleeding gums are an indication of gum disease; if these symptoms  persist after one week of daily regular flossing, contact your dentist for additional treatment. Periodontal disease  does not spontaneously resolve; it requires treatment. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems such as gum recession, bone and tooth loss.



 We're out participating at educational conventions and seminars throughout the year and we'd like to use this blog as a dental resource for our community of Phoenix, AZ (and beyond). Of course, we welcome you to join the conversation. Suggest topics and ask those burning questions about dentistry that keep you up at night. Please feel free to contact me through the Morse Family Dental  website. Remember, the advice provided here is intended to aid you in understanding some of the treatment options available. It is important to note that before beginning any course of treatment you should always see your dentist. 
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Location: Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA

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