Here at Rockingham Dental Centre we believe flossing is very important.
Lately there has been a lot of talk in the media about flossing. The conclusion to all of the media stories plus the removal of flossing from the American Dietary Guidelines seemed to be that we were all off the flossing hook – that is not the case. We recommend flossing as a preventative measure to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from the areas between the teeth and underneath the gums where a toothbrush cannot easily reach. If you are struggling with dexterity, don’t worry – there are other alternatives to string floss, such as floss handles, interdental brushes and dental water jets. Ask one of our friendly hygienists to work out which method is best for you today.
Correct flossing technique:
- Starting with about 30cm of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving 1–2cm of floss to work with.
- Holding the floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between the contacts of your teeth.
- Gently follow the curve of the tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum. Never force the floss, as this may cause trauma to your gums.
