Let’s Make (Dental) Flossing All the Rage
If you haven’t seen the TikTok videos of the new dance move called “Flossing,” you’re one of the few. The dance move made waves after a young man demonstrated the dance move, which resembles the motion of flossing your teeth, but using your arms to “floss” on either side of your hips. It’s become incredibly popular with young people. Oh, how we wish tooth flossing could become a viral sensation!
Why Is Teeth Flossing Important?
Brushing your teeth is part of everyone’s oral hygiene routine, but many don’t floss. According to the American Dental Association, less than 50% of people floss daily. Unfortunately, that means they leave food debris and bacteria between their teeth and below the gum line, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
More cavities develop on the sides of the teeth than anywhere else. This is the area where flossing helps. If you don’t floss, your risk of cavities between the teeth or periodontal disease increases dramatically. If you don’t floss, bacteria accumulate, contributing to plaque, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Proper Flossing Technique
First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart…Oops. Sorry, wrong flossing! Proper teeth flossing starts with purchasing the right kind of floss. You can use the more traditional string floss or opt for ribbon floss, which is a wider, flatter version. Check to make sure the floss you use is ADA-approved, then follow these simple steps:
- Floss before brushing so any loosened debris is brushed away.
- The best time to floss is before bed, so the plaque is removed and doesn’t have a chance to damage the teeth while you’re sleeping.
- Using an 18” inch length of dental floss, wind either end around your middle fingers to create a taut section to use between the teeth.
- Pinch floss between your fingers and thumbs with about 2 inches between your hands.
- Slide floss between your teeth in a back-and-forth motion, working down to the gums.
- Use an up-and-down motion to move the floss up and down each side and the back of each tooth. Use a new section of floss for each tooth.
- Brush and rinse thoroughly to remove loosened debris and plaque.
Still Not Interested in Daily Flossing?
That’s unfortunate. Numerous studies over the years have revealed troubling facts about dental floss use:
- Not flossing is the main cause of bad breath
- Medical studies say flossing can increase your life expectancy
- Plaque not removed by flossing leads to gum disease and tooth loss.
- Not flossing increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Prophylaxis
If you haven’t flossed in the past, a thorough dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is essential to remove the plaque build-up on your teeth. The dental hygienists and dentists at Herald Square Cosmetic Dental use special tools to remove plaque and tartar on your teeth and below the gum line.
Professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year is essential to good oral health. If you have gingivitis or are prone to gum disease, Our dental hygienists can reach areas you can’t get to with brushing and flossing. We hope that after your teeth are professionally cleaned, you will begin flossing regularly to keep plaque at bay between visits.
How Does Your Flossing Rank?
- Flossing on TikTok: 2 stars
- Flossing on the Dance Floor: 3 stars
- Flossing Your Teeth: 5 stars
We’ll even show you a few flossing moves of our own! Call today for an appointment for a professional dental cleaning.
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