The Facts on Floss

Even the best toothbrushes can’t reach between your teeth or under your gum line. But plaque and food can still build up in those spaces. Plaque and food particles can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why Dr. Christina Sehy VerSchave at Belmar Smiles wants you to make flossing a regular part of your daily routine.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, usually when you brush your teeth before going to bed. As long as you do a thorough job of brushing and flossing, it doesn’t matter which one you do first.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of floss to work with. You’ll need between 18 and 24 inches of floss. Wind most of it around each middle finger, which should leave 1 to 2 inches of floss for you to use. As you move from one tooth to the next, you will want to use a new section of floss. Hold the floss tightly between your fingers and move it up and down between your teeth. You’ll want to curve it around the base of each tooth, and get below the below the gum line. But don’t force the floss in, you might damage your gums.

Nylon floss comes in different flavors and is you can by waxed nylon floss for easier flossing. Single-filament floss is easy to slide between your teeth and is less likely to shred. If for some reason, floss doesn’t work for you, try using a dental pick, a pre- threaded flosser, or even water flosser.

Remember that even with brushing and flossing, you should still come in to see us at Belmar Smiles in Lakewood, Colorado for regular checkups and cleanings. Make an appointment today by calling 303-935-3574.