Just As Important as Brushing
Proper Technique
Start by tearing off a piece of floss about 12 to 18 inches long. Then you should wrap the floss around your two middle fingers leaving a 3-4 inch gap. This technique will help you switch the floss to different fingers easily so you can gaps the gaps between every tooth!
Next, guide the floss between each tooth and make sure you keep your facial muscles relaxed. Then curve the floss around the tooth and gently move it up and down the surface of the tooth. If you are using un-waxed floss you will know you are done when you begin to hear a squeak. Your teeth will literally be squeaky clean! Once you are finished with one side of a space, curve the floss the other way and get the other side. Repeat this process for every space, and make sure to get the back of your last teeth.
If you find flossing to difficult, there are tools available to help such as floss holders or interdental brushes. If you are feeling discomfort while flossing, it most likely means that you are flossing too hard. Ask Dr. Payam at your next appointment for a demonstration and he will be happy to show you. If your gums begin bleeding you should make an appointment with Dr. Payam because this could be a sign of gum disease. Properly flossing takes practice, so make sure that you do it at least once a day, especially before you go to sleep, and before you brush your teeth. Happy flossing!
