Our Saint Louis dentist office recommends that every patient take the time to floss his or her smile at least once a day. Although flossing often becomes an afterthought in a patient’s daily dental hygiene routine, the truth is that flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to keeping your smile in a great shape. If you have questions about dental flossing, keep reading—our dentist is answering your questions!
Q: How often should I be flossing?
A: We recommend that every patient floss at least once a day. The key to developing a healthy flossing routine is to do it every day without skipping. When you skip a day or two flossing, you allow bacteria to calcify on your teeth, at which point it can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Q: When should I be flossing?
A: Most patients find that it is easiest to remember to floss at the end of the day before bed. Floss before you brush; flossing will dislodge dental debris, and you will then be able to easily brush and rinse these away.
Q: What kind of floss am I supposed to be using?
A: The type of floss that you use is up to you. Floss comes in a variety of flavors and finishes; you simply have to make sure that the floss you are using fits between your teeth. Choose a type of floss that is comfortable for you, so that you will be more likely to use it regularly!
Many patients are amazed at how much better their mouths feel once they start flossing on a regular basis. Incorporate this simple habit into your daily dental hygiene routine to maximize your bacteria fighting power. As always, feel free to contact our Saint Louis dentist office if you have further questions.