Are You Making These 5 Common Flossing Mistakes?

When it comes to dental hygiene, the two pillars are flossing and toothbrushing. Unfortunately, people are more apt to skip out on the former. For those who floss, though, there is yet another challenge: to do it properly. Dental professionals have identified 5 mistakes that many people make when flossing in Woodbridge. Continue reading to find out what they are and learn how they can be corrected!

#1 – Flossing at the Wrong Time

If you can only floss once a day, timing becomes even more vital. The most important period to perform your routine is before going to bed. Saliva production decreases while you sleep, which allows for an increase in bacteria accumulation. Thus, thoroughly cleaning between your teeth serves as an added measure of protection.

#2 – Flossing After Brushing

Many people floss after brushing their teeth, but if you want to see the best results, switch the order. When compared with flossing after brushing, the results of a past study show that flossing first significantly decreases the amount of plaque between your teeth. By following this sequence, the fluoride in the toothpaste can better coat the cleaned area and provide more protection.

#3 – Only Partially Flossing Your Tooth

To ensure each tooth is thoroughly cleaned, be sure to carefully lower the floss to the gum line. Then, forming the material into a C-shape, slide it up and down. You should be mindful of cleaning the sides and back of each tooth to get full coverage. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about any debris, bacteria or plaque going unaddressed.

#4 – Staying Above the Gum Line

As you lower the floss, take full advantage of its pliability by allowing it to descend 2-3 millimeters beneath your gum line. This will aid in removing bacteria that could otherwise contribute to plaque and tartar growth, lead to gum disease and compromise your oral health.

#5 – Stopping Because You See Blood

If you see blood while you’re flossing, it’s not necessarily an indicator that you need to stop. In fact, it’s generally a sign that you need to do it more often. It could also be a warning that you need to visit your local dentist and make some adjustments to your dental hygiene routine.

Infected and inflamed gum tissue that bleeds when flossed is typically a reaction to the stimulation, but you shouldn’t let this deter your efforts. Over time, flossing will help to shrink the tissue and create healthier gums.

The best way to treat any dental problem is to prevent it from happening. By taking a more calculated approach to your flossing routine and visiting your dentist in Woodbridge regularly, you can look forward to healthier teeth and gums!

About the Author

Dr. Alvin Aquino earned his dental degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. During his General Practice Residency program at Morristown Medical Center, he received advanced training in multiple areas, ranging from preventive to complex restorative care. Dr. Aquino helps his patients experience the absolute best in oral health by providing superb care at White Oak Dental & Orthodontics, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.