How often should I floss my Teeth?

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It is important to floss your teeth at least once a day, if not after every time you brush. If you have any queries or concerns about flossing or your flossing technique, please be sure to consult your dentist or hygienist. In general, you floss simply by holding the floss between your fingers and wrapping the ends around them. Following this, you take a tight hold of the floss and scrape it in the spaces between your teeth from the gums outward.

Many bacteria escape from the cleanliness provided by brushing by living in between your teeth, so if you brush without flossing, you could be leaving up to 40% of your teeth free for bacteria to breed and grow. Flossing allows you to clean places where a normal toothbrush wouldn't have access, so make sure to use a fresh piece of floss for every space to ensure maximum cleaning potential. If left unchecked, the bacteria remaining in between your teeth could harden into tartar. Tartar, also known as calculus can encourage bacteria growth and often results in infections in the gums. This in turn can progress into periodontal disease which can affect the nearby tissues and even the surrounding bone structure.

Both flossing and brushing help to keep your teeth and gums in top shape and prevents the development of gum problems and decay. As well as these, there are a range of products available to aid you in keeping your mouth clean such as mouthwashes and tongue cleaners. It is also worth noting that you can help maintain healthy teeth and gums by limiting the amount of sugary drinks and foods you ingest.

Read more in the Dental Treatment Information Guide »

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