Five Tips For Picking Floss

While there are multiple types of floss at the grocery store, not all floss is created equal.  In order to create a positive experience with flossing you want to pick one that fits your needs. If you don’t want to take the time to measure out the right amount of floss, then buy flossers. "If flossers gross you out because the same floss is used between each tooth, then find floss that is waxed or not waxed," says Dr. Denine Rice.

Pick a starting point in your mouth. It does not matter if you begin to floss at the back of your mouth or in the middle. What matters is that you do not forget any teeth. There are some hard to reach spots inside your mouth, however, they are just as important as the front.

Move gently between each tooth reaching each surface. Ramming the floss harshly between your teeth can bruise or damage the gums. "You want to protect them by gliding the floss between your teeth," suggests periodontist Dr. Rice. While we may think that our gums are able to with stand anything they actually are a soft tissue that can be damaged.

If you are using regular floss, you will want to get about eighteen inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers. You’ll want to leave space between your index fingers as this is the piece that you will use to floss your teeth.

After you finish flossing your teeth Dr. Denine Rice recommends, “Rinse your mouth with a little water or mouthwash. This will help get rid of the food particles and allow you to be ready for your day with fresh breath.”