Thoroughly and effectively caring for your smile at home will help you avoid aesthetic and health issues down the road. Our Santa Monica dentists have found, over the years, that even the most committed dental patients sometimes need a refresher when it comes to at-home dental care. That is why we’re here today to talk about the ins and outs of flossing. How can you get the most out of your daily dental routine?
The ADA recommends that patients floss their smiles at least once a day. In general, the best time to floss is at night, right before you brush your teeth. By flossing at the end of your day, you’re able to dislodge entrenched plaque and dental debris, and then promptly brush it away.
Now, if it has been a long time since you’ve been flossing regularly, you may find that your gum tissue starts to bleed when you start flossing again. This occurs because your gum tissue has become inflamed. As you get back into the habit of flossing, you’ll find that your gums become more resilient and stop bleeding.
When choosing a type of floss, you want to make sure that you pick a thickness that fits comfortably between your teeth. There are also a number of different floss flavors on the market; in general, you just want to find one that you find appealing and enjoyable.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you do not want to inadvertently compound plaque as you go from tooth to tooth. When you start flossing, cut off a long piece of floss. Then, move down this piece of floss as you clean your smile, taking special care not to use the same portion multiple times.
If you need further guidance on how to care for your smile at home, our Santa Monica dentists are here to give you all of the information and support that you need. Please reach out to our team to get started!