No business like FLOSS business

Flossing

Only flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where some of the worst decay begins. Make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to clean the places where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing technique • Tear off about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the other hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes used. If you are wearing braces appliances with wires, use a floss threader to maneuver the floss under your wire at every interval between your teeth. As you 'thread' the floss under the wire be sure to:
• Hold the floss tightly (without any slack) between your two hands, with 1/2" to 1" of floss between them. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion.
• Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against the tooth. Do not force or snap the floss.
• Hold the floss against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum.
• Repeat this technique on all of your teeth, and don’t forget the last teeth in back.
• Rinse vigorously with water or mouthwash to remove loosened plaque and particles.
Flossing tips • Establish a regular pattern for flossing so that you don’t miss any teeth.
• As with brushing, flossing should be done gently. Improper flossing can injure your gums.
• If you have not been flossing regularly, your gums may bleed and be sore for the first five or six days. As plaque is broken up and bacteria removed, the bleeding will stop and your gums will heal.
• By age 8, children should be able to floss their own teeth. To make it easier, use a loop of floss. Simply tie the ends of a ten-inch piece of floss, forming a circle. Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers, and use the technique above.
• A floss holder can make flossing easier for those who do not have good finger dexterity. Special picks and sticks are also available to help those who find floss difficult to work with. Consult your dentist or hygienist about the best technique for you! Remeber if you are having trouble, we are here to help you @ Boschken Orthodontics! (408) 225-6660