You’ve heard it over and over again. Even the most careful brushing does not remove all of the harmful substances from the crevices between your teeth. There are areas where the bristles simply cannot reach. That’s why you need to use dental floss as part of your brushing routine.
It’s easiest to handle dental floss with an approximately 12-inch length. Either tie it in a circle or wrap each end around your index fingers. Pass the floss through your teeth with a gentle to-and-fro sawing motion. Then, work the floss up and down each side of each of your teeth, starting at the gum and ending at the biting surface. Do this sweeping motion two or three times, then repeat with the adjoining tooth.
Assuring that your children are flossing properly is not an easy job. It’s difficult for the younger ones and takes a tireless and dedicated parent to help their children floss every day. But, in the long run, it is worth the time.
To make flossing easy on both you and your child, use waxed floss but do not be taken in by the gadgets that promise trouble-free flossing. They do not make it easier, often make it worse, and they do not do as good of job as you can do by yourself.
Kimberly Rosen has been practicing dentistry in the Santa Clarita Valley for 15 years.
For more information, please call 661-255-2545.