If you’re like most people, you probably don’t floss as often as you should. In fact, a study by the American Dental Association found that only about one-third of Americans floss daily. This is a shame, because flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health! In this blog post, we will discuss the most common flossing mistakes and how to avoid them. Let’s get started!
Not Flossing Daily
The most common flossing mistake is not flossing daily. Flossing every day is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, many people skip flossing daily. Although flossing occasionally is better than not flossing at all, the best way to preserve your oral health is to floss at least once daily. Otherwise the plaque on your teeth can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
Flossing Too Rough
Another common mistake is flossing too rough. While your gums may bleed the first few times you floss, they should not bleed every time and this is a sign that you are too rough. Don’t use too much pressure when flossing. This can damage your teeth and gums. Instead, use a light touch and be gentle. You also don’t need to floss more than once a day. In fact, flossing multiple times a day can actually result in gum irritation and cause the gums to recede. Flossing once daily is both adequate and recommended.
Smacking the Gums
Another common mistake is smacking the gums while flossing. This causes gum irritation and it can also cause the gums to bleed. In fact, gum irritation and bleeding are two reasons why some people say they don’t like to floss. When you floss correctly, however, you should not be smacking the gums with floss. The correct way to floss is to gently move the floss between the teeth and then start at the gum line and move the floss away from the gums. This prevents you from accidentally smacking the gums and decreases gum irritation.
Skipping Certain Places
Another common mistake is skipping certain places when flossing. Most people know that they need to floss in between their teeth, however there are a few key places that end up being missed. One common place people forget to floss is behind the last molar. It is also important to floss around the sides of your teeth and to floss around any types of dental appliances that can collect plaque. Depending on the type of dental appliance, you may need to use a special type of floss.
Staying Above the Gum Line
Another common mistake people make while flossing is staying above the gums. While flossing, you will want to gently move the floss down below the gums in order to dislodge accumulations of plaque that have collected in this area. You don’t need to go deep, just as far as the floss will allow. It is also important to be gentle around the gums to prevent irritation.
Using the Wrong Type of Floss
Another common mistake is using the wrong type of floss. Using the wrong type of floss can make things exceedingly difficult, while using the right type of floss can make flossing a breeze. Many people don’t even realize there are different types of floss. There are many different types of floss available, so make sure to choose the type that is best for you. Some types of floss work better for certain situations, so it is worth taking some time to determine what type of dental floss is ideal for you.
Flossing at the Wrong Time
One of the final common mistakes people make is flossing at the wrong time. Since it is only recommended to floss once a day, the timing of when you floss is important. Obviously, flossing at the wrong time is still better than not flossing at all. However, flossing at the ideal time can make your flossing routine more effective. The ideal time to floss is before bedtime right before brushing your teeth. Flossing before you brush removes excess plaque and allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to penetrate the areas in between the teeth.
In Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about the most common flossing mistakes and how to avoid them. Mistakes such as not flossing daily, flossing too rough, smacking the gums, skipping certain places, and using the wrong type of floss can minimize the effectiveness of your flossing routine and can lead to oral health problems. However, by following these simple tips, you can avoid these mistakes and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Thanks for reading!
