Dr Brodie Hawker demonstrates how to properly floss your teeth and discusses why it is so important.
Flossing is super important because:
- It helps prevent decay between your teeth.
- It helps to keep your gums healthy.
- It helps prevent stinky breath.
What If My Gums Bleed?
Lots of people are concerned that flossing causes bleeding. It's actually underlying inflammation caused by bacteria between your teeth that causes the bleeding. So, the more you floss, the less bleeding you should have.
How Often Do I Need to Floss My Teeth?
Ideally, you should floss at least once a day at night time before you brush your teeth.
You will want to have a nice long piece of floss because we're going to wrap it around a few fingers, so you get a grip on it. I like to control it with my thumb and my index fingers. That just makes it easier to make sure you can direct it right in between each tooth.
I usually start in the middle, work my way to the back on one side, and then come back to the middle and work my way to the back on that side.
Rub the floss up and down against one tooth underneath the gum there, and make sure you're flossing the surface next door as well. It might take a bit of practice, but I'm sure you'll be flossing like a pro in no time.
Welcome to North Brisbane Dental Clinic
Brushing and flossing at home is an essential part of your oral health care regimen. Regular check-ups and cleans with your dentist are the others. We welcome new patients of all ages from North Brisbane, Wooloowin, Lutwyche, Clayfield, Windsor, Grange, Gordon Park, Kalinga, Kedron, Stafford, Ascot, Chermside and Everton Hills.
Patient education is a valued part of preventive dentistry for our patients. If you ever have questions about how to complement your professional dental visits with your care at home, we are here to help.