Dental floss dislodges food particles trapped between the teeth and under the gums where toothbrushes can’t reach. Left unchecked, the bacterial buildup can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
If you practiced ideal dental hygiene, you’d be flossing after every meal. “Do that and you’ll have an absolutely immaculate mouth,” says Srivastava, “but we know that’s not practical for most people — so we hope our patients floss once daily.” Bedtime, rather than morning, is the better choice for once-a-day flossers.
“Your salivary flow is very low when you’re sleeping,” Srivastava says. “So for those 7 or 8 hours you’re in bed, you’re not washing away the bacteria teeming in your mouth.”
Dentists recommend spending 2 minutes brushing your teeth. With practice, flossing will take you an additional minute. Begin on the upper right, go all the way around to the upper left, and then go from the lower left to the lower right.
If you’re so tired at the end of your day that you can devote only 60 seconds to dental hygiene, what do you do? Floss. “I’m not suggesting you skip brushing, but it’s absolutely essential to floss every day,” says Srivastava.
What Kind of Floss?
Stand in the dental aisle of your drugstore, and you’ll see a variety of dental floss. Srivastava breaks down the choices with these tips.
Waxed vs. unwaxed floss. They’re equally effective at removing tooth debris, but “I strongly recommend waxed. It’s much easier to slide between your teeth and much less likely to shred,” Srivastava says.
Ribbon or tape vs. fine floss. Opt for wider floss. “Ribbon or tape floss covers a larger portion of the tooth, so it does a better job of cleaning,” Srivastava says. “It also feels more comfortable in your hand and is less likely to cut your gums.”
Floss picks. These disposable, pre-threaded floss-holders can help you reach into the back corners of your mouth. They’re also great for flossing on the go.
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