What is Proper Flossing Technique? What you need to know about flossing your teeth.

You brush your teeth three times a day, just the way you’ve been told since you were a little kid. Flossing though, that’s something else. You’ve tried to floss, but your experience was less than perfect. In fact, you’ve totally given it up. But now, you’re thinking of starting up again and you would like to know just how to floss correctly. Dr. Kenneth Krause of Krause Dental in Westfield, IN wants you to know Flossingtoo.

To start, take about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the each end of the floss around your middle finger of each hand, leaving only about two inches free to work with. Hold the free two inches in between each of your thumbs and index fingers. Slide the floss up and down between each of your teeth.

This next part is important. When you slide up and down each tooth, make certain to wrap the floss around your tooth in a “C” shaped curve. This wrapping technique ensures you will keep the floss next to your tooth and remove the plaque all the way down the tooth surface. If you don’t wrap the floss, you may miss plaque and cut your gums.

Now, do the other tooth and come back up with the floss. Move to a clean piece of floss by moving your middle fingers to free up another piece. Move on and do each of the other teeth in your mouth, both the top and bottom arches. That’s it, you’re done!

If you have dexterity problems from arthritis or other reasons, don’t let that stop you. Your Westfield dentist can introduce you to a variety of tools available on the market to help you. You can try a variety of holders and preloaded floss picks to make things easier.

There is a big debate about whether to use waxed or unwaxed floss and there are pros and cons to each. Waxed floss is easier for most people because it is unlikely to shred on tight teeth or fillings, however, it may not remove as much plaque because of the wax coating. Unwaxed floss picks up more plaque, but it can also shred in between tight teeth or rough fillings. You can talk with Dr. Krause about which type might be best for you.

Dr. Kenneth Krause of Krause Dental in Westfield, IN wants flossing to become a daily habit, and he’s there to help you on the path toward good oral hygiene. Call him today and find out more about your dental health!

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Monday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed