Elmhurst Dentist Lays Out the Basics of a Healthy Flossing Routine

Written by Dr. Scharfenberg on Apr 8, 2014

Every day, you have the chance to make healthy choices for your smile. Our dental team is here to help you get the most out of your dental hygiene routine. Today our Elmhurst dentist office is focusing on the importance of flossing as effectively as possible.

When you take the time to brush your teeth—at the start and end of each day—you can add flossing into your routine for a more thorough dental cleaning. The American Dental Association recommends that every patient floss his or her teeth at least once a day. Most patients find it beneficial to floss at night, before they brush at the end of the day.

When you floss, you are able to clear dental plaque from between your teeth and from your gum line. This is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease.

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your flossing practice:

1. When you floss, make sure that you clean between every one of your teeth, all the way up through the gum tissue.

2. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth—this is a prime area in which plaque can accumulate

3. Use whatever type of floss suits you best, just make sure that it does not shred when you place it between your teeth.

4. Floss before you brush and rinse your teeth. When you floss, you loosen plaque and dental debris. Then when you brush and rinse, you clear these substances from your mouth completely.

Our dental team is here to answer any questions you may have about how to keep your smile sparkling between dental visits. You can get a hold of our dentist by calling our Elmhurst dentist office, or by using our online inquiry form on our website. We are happy to provide you with the information you need about high-quality at-home dental care.