Advertising feature
We use our teeth every single day, yet a lot of us aren’t properly caring for them.
If you are relying solely on brushing your teeth to keep in them in good condition, your teeth are only half has healthy as you think.
Ahead of Dental Health Week, running from August 7 to 13, the Australian Dental Association says flossing is just as important as the old toothbrush and paste.
Nearly half the surface area of your teeth lies between them.
Floss enables you to remove plaque between the teeth, helping to prevent issues including gum disease, decaying teeth and bad breath.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses:
- Coastal Dental Care
- Refresh Smiles
- Raniga Dental Surgeons
- ADS Dental Clinic
While adding a second step to dental care might seem like an added chore, it only takes a few minutes, but has important benefits.
If you struggle to motivate yourself right before bed, try flossing in the morning after breakfast or even straight after dinner.
The association advises children should begin flossing with adult assistance as soon as they have two teeth in contact.
HOW TO FLOSS
Your dentist is the most qualified person to instruct you on flossing correctly, but there are some basic tips you can follow:
- Wind approximately 45cm of floss around your middle fingers and grip it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Keeping the thumb and forefingers close together, gently guide the floss between the teeth, taking care not to cut or damage your gums with abrupt movement. You should use a side-to-side motion to ensure the sides of both teeth are cleaned equally.
- To clean the “neck” of the tooth, which is the point where it meets the gums, curl the floss and insert it gently under the gum.
If you don’t like floss thread, there are great alternatives on the market including floss threaders or picks.
If you have large gaps between your teeth dentists are likely to recommend bottle brush-shaped interdental cleaners or instigators to assist with flossing.
- Source: Australian Dental Association
