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Floss 101: How to Effectively Eliminate Any Plaque Buildup

Flossing daily is the best habit you can incorporate to protect your oral health. Combined with brushing, cleaning in between your teeth removes any leftover food, prevents plaque buildup, and helps avoid needing emergency dental services in Pompano Beach.

While the simple act of flossing will certainly make a difference in your oral health, there are certain techniques you can follow to ensure your teeth are as clean as they can get. From going over the best time of the day for flossing to explaining the steps for a successful floss, here’s a complete flossing guide.

Floss Correctly and Avoid Needing Emergency Dental Services in Pompano Beach

Why Is Flossing Important?

A vital part of maintaining good dental hygiene is flossing regularly.

Although it feels great to get a last bit of popcorn or spinach out from between your teeth, flossing’s primary advantage is that it helps get rid of invisible plaque—not as exciting, we know. However, just because plaque isn’t visible doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

Plaque is a transparent, sticky substance that builds up along your gum line and in the spaces between your teeth. It develops on and around your teeth when sugary or starchy foods and beverages combine with oral bacteria. These bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates.

But these acids also damage the enamel on your teeth. If these acids aren’t removed with brushing and flossing, they can cause bad breath, lead to cavities, and increase your risk of gum disease.

How to Floss it Properly

So, to prevent dangerous plaque buildup and all its unwanted consequences, regular flossing is a must. While flossing may seem like a self-explanatory process, there are certain tips you can follow to ensure you remove every bit of plaque.

To help you, here’s a step-by-step flossing guide:

  1. Find the Right Materials: There are various types of dental floss, some waxed, others unwaxed, some white, others black. That’s right, there is black floss, and it allows you to see the plaque you’re removing better, which is why many patients choose it. Depending on your needs—and the space between your teeth—pick a floss that makes you comfortable.
  2. Cut the Right Length: Cut about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) of floss. This length gives you enough to wrap around your fingers while keeping good control.
  3. Grab the Floss Properly: Wrap most of the floss around one hand’s middle finger and a tiny bit around the other hand’s middle finger. Then, pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss to work with.
  4. Insert the Floss: Gently slide the floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap it against your gums, which can irritate you.
  5. Form a C-Shape: Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth and gently slide it up and down against the side of the tooth. While still in the C-shape, move the floss to the adjacent tooth and repeat the process.
  6. Use Fresh Sections: As you move from tooth to tooth, unroll a fresh section of floss from the spool to avoid transferring plaque and bacteria. Continue this process for all your teeth, including the back teeth.

After you’re done, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to help remove any loosened debris.

Man Flossing After Learning with our Dental Services in Pompano Beach

Find Qualified Dental Services in Pompano Beach

Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes and flossing your teeth is just one step in a healthy oral hygiene routine. Regular dental check-ups at Park Plaza Dental and professional teeth cleanings are crucial to ensure no plaque and tartar accumulation in your smile.

If you’re due to a dental visit, reach out today!

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If you have any questions about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to call Park Plaza Dental. Our team is here to make your next appointment a comfortable and productive one.