How Often should you change Dental Floss
Change your dental floss regularly! Although it’s not a frequently talked about topic, oral care is a very important part of our lives. Our mouths are home to millions of bacteria, most of them good but some of them not so good. We brush and floss our teeth because they are the gateway to our bodies, and we wouldn’t want our poor health habits to be reflected in the health (or lack thereof) of our mouths. Let’s talk more about dental floss and why we should change it regularly.
If you are looking for a quite simple way to improve your oral health and enhance your smile, then it is high time to change your dental floss. Using the same floss for more than 3 months isn’t a good thing since this tool is supposed to clean between teeth and around gums. After the 3-month period begins bacterial growth, plaque buildup, and bad breath (halitosis).
How Often should you change Dental Floss
We all know how important flossing is, and yet we don’t all include it as part of our oral health routine. Flossing is just as important as brushing and is one of the best ways to remove plaque from between your teeth.
According to National Smile Month, one-third of people have never used dental floss, and less than a quarter of adults use dental floss regularly. Flossing should begin early in life and should be carried out daily. Dental floss, when used correctly, removes any leftover food and plaque from the teeth, preventing gum disease.
How to use dental floss
Be thorough but gentle when using dental floss; make sure to reach the gumline, but don’t force it down too far or too severely, as this can damage your gums. Always follow flossing advice given to you by your dentist; this includes how often you should use it. We have listed below all the information you need to start flossing correctly today.
- Pull out a section of floss about 18 inches long, roughly the size of a long desk ruler. Take your middle finger on each hand and wrap the floss around them, leaving a length of taut floss in the middle
- Use your thumb and forefinger of each hand, leaving about 1-2 inches length in the middle; pull the length so it’s tight and can be inserted in the gaps between your teeth
- Without any force, move the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and under the gumline. Remember to be careful but thorough around the gumline
- Using a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid moving plaque around the mouth, repeat the process of flossing on your next tooth until each tooth has been flossed
- Don’t forget the teeth at the back of your mouth; the exposed surfaces of these teeth should also be flossed.
Conclusion
The best dental hygiene method is typically one you’ll stick to, enjoy, and can see yourself using daily.
The American Dental Association suggests that you brush your teeth twice a day — about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste — and use an interdental cleaner, such as floss, once a day. You can floss before or after you brush.
In addition to home brushing and flossing, schedule regular visits with your dentist to identify potential dental problems early, when treatment is commonly simpler and more affordable.
Be sure to speak with a dentist about any concerns you may have. They can also help you decide on the best option for you.
