3 Secrets to Making Flossing Simpler

Flossing may not be everyone’s favorite, but it is IMPORTANT! Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Flossing helps to eliminate the accumulation of harmful bacteria and plaque, which is a result of food particles that get trapped between the teeth and under the gum line. These are places that the toothbrush can’t always reach! Below are 3 secrets from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS to make flossing simpler.

• Be Generous! – Flossing isn’t as simple as one would think, which is probably why so many people view it as a nuisance and choose to skip it. Fortunately, floss is an inexpensive product, so you don’t need to be conservative with it. Having a generous supply of floss makes it easier for you to use a clean section for each tooth, which is far more hygienic than the alternative.

• Be Gentle! – You don’t want to jam the floss in between each tooth with too much force or vigor. Vigorous flossing won’t produce positive results and will actually be uncomfortable and/or painful. Flossing slowly and steadily is the way to go!

• Get a Grip! – Make sure the floss is securely held or even wrapped around your fingers. Having a firm grip allows you to have the most control over where the floss goes and how much pressure you apply!

While flossing may just seem like an unnecessary extra step after brushing, it is vital to your oral health. As always, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have.