Flossing is tricky, and as we get into the holidays (with all it’s feasts and sugary food) proper dental care is even more crucial to maintaining healthy teeth. But it seems like we’re always ill prepared to properly floss our teeth. Are we doing it enough? Are we using the right instruments? Why is my dentist still lecturing me about flossing my teeth? I love it when I’m getting my teeth cleaned and the hygienist finishes things off with a good thorough flossing. They can get all the areas in the back that I can’t seem to get myself. Here’s a technique you can try at home to get the same results as when you visit Philip Gray, dentist edmond!

Step 1: Grab some floss, recommended about 18 inches but really just enough to use some clean floss after each tooth.

Step 2: Get the floss between your teeth and up to the gum line, then gently “wrap” your tooth with the floss. Use an up and down zig-zag motion to get all the surfaces.

Step 3: Once your teeth are all clean, rinse your mouth thoroughly to clean out the remaining bacteria from your gums. You don’t want to lose all that hard work by letting the bacteria hang around and get back in your gums do you?

Easy now that it’s been explained right? There are other options available if you still can’t seem to get the flossing right. Water flosser and air flossers can make things easier, as can handheld flossers. There’s even flossers for braces and people with lots of bridges and crown work. Flossing can be hard, but it’s also the most effective way to keep plaque out of your gum tissue and off your teeth in between cleanings! Speaking of which, if your overdue for a cleaning. Gives us a call at 405-330-5458 and schedule an appointment today!