Flossing Mistakes
• Not flossing
If dentists had to choose between packing a toothbrush or floss on a vacation, they'd probably go for the floss. Flossing removes bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline, where you are most likely to get a cavity.
• Not flossing regularly
Flossing needs to be a daily ritual. We all miss the odd day, but tartar can form in as little as two days!
• Flossing too quickly
You need to count ten short, rapid, up-and-down strokes on each tooth. That's a couple of seconds per tooth, and with 28 teeth, you should be spending at least two minutes per flossing session.
• Missing the gumline
The gumline is an important area to clean, and floss should be moved all the way under the gum.
• Not removing plaque
Flossing is not just about removing food particles, it's about scraping off that film of bacteria that is between your teeth: plaque. Scrape the tooth clean of that film.
• Not flossing with enough pressure
Removing plaque is tougher than you might think. Firmly press the floss against the tooth surface and move it up and down. If you're doing it right, you should hear a squeaking sound.
• Flossing only one tooth
Don't just pop the floss in the space between your teeth – each tooth demands attention! Push against one tooth and pull against the other, covering the whole surface area between the teeth.
