How To Properly Floss Your Teeth
One of the best ways to prevent gum and mouth problems is by flossing your teeth. These oral problems are sometimes caused by plague and pieces of foods that are stuck between your teeth. Plague is gluey matter that is composed of bacteria that can lead to gum irritation and swelling. If you regularly visit your dentist, they will likely recommend dental floss for complete protection of your teeth and gums. Dental floss is like soft strands that are made of plastic or nylon. It can take out food particles or debris that is found between the teeth or underneath the gum areas which your toothbrush cannot get to.
For proper flossing technique for your teeth, see these tips:
- Wind a length of floss eighteen inches long around your middle finger on both hands;
- Clasp the floss with your forefinger and thumb of each hand making the floss one to two inches long and then pull it firmly so that it can floss the slit between the two teeth;
- Then in a gentle manner, you have to floss up and down the sides of the teeth and the gum areas;
- The circular motion of your fingers while flossing will prevent injury on the gum lines;
- This process should be repeated in each tooth gap;
- Uncoil the floss’ next section for each tooth and then wind the worn floss on your middle finger of the other hand doing the same procedure;
- By the round pattern process, make sure you have flossed every tooth;
It is healthy and proper to take care of your dental hygiene by regularly flossing your teeth. At first, you will experience some minor difficulties such as bleeding or swelling of the gums. But it is beneficial to floss the teeth to prevent the build-up of plaque, making your teeth and gums healthier and looking good. In the event of severe bleeding due to flossing, an immediate consultation with your dentist is advisable.
Tips on Caring for Your Teeth at Home
The preservation of one’s teeth will not stay at the dentist’s clinic, but also involves caring for your teeth at home. There are many factors that can affect your dental health. Genetics, race, lifestyle, kind of food eaten and personal hygiene are just some of those factors. Some systemic diseases, like diabetes, can also affect oral tissue, like the gums. Race and our genes are beyond our control, but what we eat and our personal hygiene are solely dependent upon us.
Personal hygiene is a very important factor if we want to insure the longevity of our teeth. Caring for your teeth at home entails brushing your teeth after each meal, followed by flossing in between your teeth. Both of these will clean the remnants of your meal that are still in your mouth. This prevents the accumulation of dental plaque and possible build up of dental calculus.
Be sure to always run your tooth brush on the surface of your tongue to clean the food debris trapped on your taste buds. The build up of plaque will cause bad breath, cavities and gingivitis. Gingivitis is simply the inflammation of the gums. The plaque will act as nourishment for the microorganisms that are harmful to your teeth and gums. Plaque can easily be remove by tooth brushing. Once it hardens and it becomes calculus, you need to visit your dentist for oral prophylaxis.
Eating food rich in fibers like fruits and vegetables will strengthen your body. These are rich in nutrients and vitamins like Vitamin C, which is needed for healthy gums and teeth. High fiber foods will not stick to your teeth, unlike processed foods. Fruits and vegetables have lower sugar content compared to candies. Drink milk instead of cola drinks, as dairy is a source of calcium and is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Our oral health is not dependent on expensive treatments from our dentist. Good oral health begins and ends by caring for your teeth at home.