News & Tips

Should I Floss?

It is recommended that you clean between your teeth daily with an interdental cleaner (like floss). Cleaning between your teeth may help prevent cavities and gum disease. Cleaning between your teeth helps remove a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth. When that happens, it releases an acid that can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities.

Plaque that is not removed by brushing and cleaning between your teeth can eventually harden into a rough substance called tartar (or calculus). Tartar collects along your gum line and can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only your dentist can remove it.

There is not really a best time to floss your teeth. Pick a time that is convenient for you, so you never skip this important oral hygiene task. 

How to floss properly

• If you’re using floss, break off about 24 inches of floss. Hold the floss with the majority of it around your middle fingers. Leave just a few inches for your teeth. If you’re using a floss pick, skip this step.
• Place the dental floss or the floss pick between the two teeth you will be cleaning. Glide it up and down, gently rubbing against the sides of each tooth. Never glide it into the gums as it can damage the tissue there.
• Curve the floss or your floss pick at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. This will rub any material off the edges of your teeth and allows you to enter the space between both the gums and the tooth. Ultimately, this removes the most food particles and plaque.
• Repeat these steps until you have cleaned your entire mouth.

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