Flossing

Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Here are some steps to follow when flossing your teeth:

  1. Start by cutting off a piece of dental floss about 10-15cm long.

  2. Wind most of the floss around one finger, leaving a few cm of floss to work with.

  3. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently insert it between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss between your teeth, as this can cause injury to your gums.

  4. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure to go below the gumline. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, and be gentle as you move from tooth to tooth.

  5. As you remove the floss from between each tooth, use a clean, unused section of floss for the next tooth.

  6. When you're finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining food particles or debris.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. It's important to floss correctly to avoid injuring your gums or causing bleeding. If you experience bleeding or discomfort while flossing, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance on proper technique and how to maintain good oral health.

Leila Haywood