You may not know it, but November 26 is National Flossing Day – the day after Thanksgiving. If ever there were a good time to floss your teeth, right after eating a hearty Thanksgiving dinner would be it!

The team at Johnson Dentistry wants to devote this blog to the important practice of flossing (No, we’re not talking about the dance craze!). The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you floss your teeth once daily to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your smile stays beautiful.

We know that many people don’t floss as they should. Perhaps it’s because flossing seems like a tedious process and takes a few minutes to do properly. Maybe some people simply forget to floss or feel it’s not necessary. Whatever the reason, we want you to know that flossing plays a big role in your oral health. 

If you have any questions about flossing, brushing, or anything else related to your smile – or if you need to schedule an appointment – just call us at 979-279-8839 and our friendly team will be glad to help.

Flossing Helps You Maintain a Gorgeous Grin

Although brushing your teeth is crucial for good oral hygiene, brushing alone doesn’t remove many of the food particles that can remain trapped between your teeth. If left alone, this debris allows bacteria to grow, which can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar and cause other problems. 

Eventually, cavities or gum disease can develop, both of which would require dental treatments to correct. Most cavities require tooth fillings to repair the damage, however, some big cavities may need an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth. 

Gum disease is usually treated with a deep cleaning of the gums, although antibiotics are sometimes used as well. You can reduce your chances of needing these treatments by thoroughly flossing your teeth daily.

Floss Properly to Keep Your Smile Healthy

Even if you floss every day, if you’re not doing it the right way, you’re not getting the most benefit from it. So, what is the best way to floss your teeth? Here’s a simple, yet effective routine from the ADA that will help you maintain a healthy smile for life:

  • Start with a long piece of dental floss, about 18 inches or so.
  • Wrap the ends of the floss around both of your middle fingers to serve as an anchor.
  • Firmly grip the floss between your thumb and index fingers on both hands.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth and wrap it around the tooth to form a “C” shape.
  • Carefully slide the floss up and down the sides of the tooth to remove any trapped food particles. Rinse the floss with water as needed so it continues to do its job.
  • Floss between each of your teeth and remember to get the back teeth as well.

If you prefer to use a floss pick instead of dental floss, here is a good technique:

  • Insert the pick between your teeth and press it gently against your gums.
  • Slide the pick in and out along the side of your teeth to dislodge food particles.
  • Rinse the pick as needed to remove stray particles.
  • Floss between each of your teeth and be sure to include the sides of your back teeth.

Along with brushing twice a day and visiting Johnson Dentistry twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam, flossing helps form the cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Call us with any questions or to schedule an appointment: 979-279-8839. You can also request an appointment online.