Did you know that almost half of all Americans develop gum disease by the time they turn 30?
Not only does poor oral hygiene have a big influence on our self-esteem, but it also harms the rest of our health. This is why it’s crucial to stay on top of your cleaning routine.
So what can you do to keep your smile fresh and healthy? Keep reading to learn about the most common flossing errors that you should avoid.
1. Not Flossing Every Day
Developing a daily teeth flossing routine is essential for your oral hygiene. Even though not many people enjoy adding another chore to their to-do list, flossing only takes a couple of minutes.
While not as many people have an issue with flossing too often, you should keep in mind that it’s best to only floss once a day.
2. Being Too Aggressive With the Floss
The pressure from flossing can sometimes be enough to make your gums bleed. This is why you should think of flossing as a gentle massage for your gums.
Never force the floss between your teeth. Slide the floss in with care, and don’t be too rough.
3. Not Flossing Both Sides of the Gums
The proper motion for flossing is to slip the floss between both sides of your teeth. If you can’t feel this difference, you should look in the mirror to ensure your gums are getting a thorough clean.
This is one of the best tips from a dentist that everyone should know.
4. Not Reaching the Back Teeth
Flossing different teeth can be tricky since our mouths don’t feel big enough to fit our hands. You have to pay close attention while you’re flossing so you can feel confident that you’ve covered each tooth.
If you have a hard time accessing the back of your mouth, there are plenty of tools you can use to make your job easier. Plastic floss picks extend your reach.
5. Using Dirty Floss
Some people are surprised by the ideal amount of floss they should use each day. Many dentists recommend around 18 inches.
As you work the floss between each tooth, be sure to reposition the floss on your fingers so fresh floss enters each tooth.
6. Relying on Floss Too Much
A common misconception is that flossing is powerful enough to ward off gum disease and other oral health issues.
To get the most out of your flossing efforts, you need to pair this habit with brushing and rinsing with mouthwash.
You Don’t Want to Make These Common Flossing Errors
Now that you’ve learned about the most common flossing errors, you can be more mindful of your cleaning routine. While changing your habits can be a pain, your health should always be your priority.
It’s true that our oral health can have a big impact on our overall wellness. If you want to know other ways you can give yourself the care that you deserve, then our blog has more great articles. Click around our site to discover other expert tips.