Flossing, aka flossing every day will help get rid of food debris, plaque, and dirt that a toothbrush cannot reach. This helps maintain healthy teeth and gums. In addition, flossing can prevent bad breath. At first, people usually have a hard time flossing, but eventually get used to it thanks to practice. Start by learning how to hold the floss, then use it to clean your teeth. Lastly, get in the habit of flossing to keep your teeth healthy.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Holding Dental Floss
Step 1. Cut the dental floss (dental floss) 45-60 cm long
You will need thread that is long enough to be easy to hold. In addition, you will need to use a new section of floss when changing teeth, so it will be easier if you use long floss.
However, it doesn't matter if the floss is too short. You can simply pull on new thread when needed
Step 2. Wrap the end of the thread around the middle finger
Start with one hand, then work on the other. Make a few loose skeins on each middle finger until the yarn is taut. However, do not wrap the thread so tightly that it hurts the skin or cuts off blood flow. The bandage should feel loose and comfortable on the finger.
If the thread feels like it's wrapped too tightly, open it and try again
Step 3. Hold a 2.5-7.5 cm section of yarn between your thumb and index finger
Use the thumb and forefinger of each hand to grip the yarn, and leave about 2.5-7.5 cm of space between your hands. This is the part of the floss that will be used to clean the teeth. When cleaning your teeth, you will run your fingers along the floss to isolate the new piece of floss.
Determine the thread spacing that is comfortable for you. If you prefer to use large sections of yarn, feel free to leave more yarn space between your hands
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Teeth
Step 1. Start with the top center teeth, then work your way up to each side
Get in the habit of starting with two front teeth. Then, clean each side of the mouth one at a time to complete the top row of teeth. Always clean the same side first until it becomes a habit.
Follow the same pattern each time you floss to make sure you don't miss a tooth
Tip:
For example, you can start between the two front teeth, then continue to the right. If so, go back between the two front teeth and clean towards the left.
Step 2. Tuck the floss as far as possible into the gap between the teeth
Be careful when inserting dental floss. Swing slightly as you slide the floss into the tooth gap. Then, slide it slowly under the gums.
Do not tug the floss under the gums as this will hurt or even make them bleed. Make sure you move the floss gently as it goes under the gums
Step 3. Curl the floss in a C shape around the teeth
This way, you can reach the sides of your teeth so they can be cleaned as best they can. Move the floss up and down your teeth, until it is under the gums when it reaches the base of the tooth. Clean as deep as you feel comfortable.
It is important to clean the space under the gums, which helps protect the teeth and gums. However, don't go so deep that it hurts
Step 4. Do 8-10 brushes with floss on each side of the tooth
Move the floss up and down several times. Rub the floss on the sides of the teeth until they are clean. This step helps get rid of all the food debris and plaque stuck to the teeth.
If you still feel food or debris between your teeth, switch to a new piece of floss, and clean the area again
Step 5. Use a fresh piece of floss for each tooth
Slide your fingers so that the part of the floss that will be used to clean the teeth is still new. If you've used one piece of dental floss, unscrew a new piece of floss from the spool on your middle finger. This ensures that you clean your teeth with a new section of floss each time for a more perfect result.
If you run out of new floss, pull the new thread out of the floss pack. However, usually this is not necessary
Tip:
You may experience bleeding in your gums. This is completely normal when you first floss, and will go away after a few days. If your gums are still bleeding after 3-5 days of consistently flossing, it's a good idea to see a dentist to make sure your gums are healthy. There's likely to be no problem, but it's best to be on guard.
Step 6. Don't forget the back of the molars
Reach behind your mouth so you can wrap the floss around the back molars. Move the floss over the back of the tooth to clean it. Make sure you clean the back of the molars on each side of the top and bottom rows.
Gum disease and tooth decay are common in the back teeth because they are difficult to reach. Try your best to clean these parts
Step 7. Clean the lower teeth after finishing the upper teeth
Like the top row of teeth, start cleaning from the middle, then continue to the sides. Make sure the order is the same every time. It's a good idea to imitate the order in which you brush your upper teeth to make it easy to become a habit.
Try to clean your teeth the same way each time
Step 8. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water when you're done
After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth to help get rid of any remaining debris in your mouth. This step also helps the mouth feel fresh and clean.
- Use a chlorhexidine mouthwash to kill all kinds of bacteria and create a protective coating on flossed gums and teeth.
- Fluoride mouthwash provides added protection against cavities.
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining Oral Health
Step 1. Floss once before going to bed
You only need to floss once a day, and preferably no more to prevent damage to your gums. It's best to use dental floss at night before going to bed. This way, food residue and plaque don't stay on your teeth overnight.
If you find food debris between your teeth, it's a good idea to do additional flossing to clean them
Step 2. Clean the teeth before brushing so that the teeth become cleaner
When flossing, you loosen food debris and plaque that is on your teeth. Teeth should be flossed before brushing so that all food debris and plaque between the teeth can be completely removed. This step will make the teeth cleaner.
Dentists will give different advice when it comes to flossing. Depending on your needs, it is sometimes advisable to floss after brushing your teeth
Variation:
You may prefer to floss after brushing your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or food debris. It doesn't matter if you want to floss after brushing your teeth. You will still feel the benefits.
Step 3. Try other flossing options if flossing is too difficult for you
Flossing is very important for oral health so it should be done every day. However, you may have trouble getting it right. Fortunately, there are several products that can help you with flossing, for example:
- Floss holders, which are Y-shaped sticks that hold dental floss. This tool is useful if you have trouble holding your floss.
- "Superfloss", which expands in large spaces and contracts to fit in small spaces. This tool is useful if the gap between some of your teeth is wide enough.
- The floss threader makes it easy for you to clean around your teeth.
- Flossing sprays moisten your teeth with water to help remove dirt, but they are not a substitute for flossing.
Tips
- Always brush and floss your teeth before going to bed to keep them healthy.
- You can buy flavored floss like mint or chewing gum if you don't like regular floss.
- It's normal for your gums to bleed the first time you floss. However, the gums should no longer bleed after a few days of use. See a doctor if your gums are still bleeding.
- If you wear braces, bridges, or other dental accessories, ask your dentist or dentist about the proper way to brush and floss your teeth.
- In most cases, the dentist will be able to tell if you are flossing or not. This is because food residue and plaque will stick to the teeth and cause dental problems.
- Wash your hands before and after flossing your teeth.
- Use waxed dental floss if you have trouble getting the floss between your teeth.
Warning
- Do not use one piece of dental floss more than once. The thread will break down and hold a lot of bacteria so it is no longer effective.
- If your gums hurt after flossing, try massaging/massaging gently on both sides of the teeth.
- If the bleeding is severe or persists after the first week, contact your dentist immediately. Bleeding gums can be caused by other medical conditions.
