Dental Flossing is an important part of keeping good oral hygiene. It aids to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and under the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Nevertheless, despite its importance, numerous individuals still make mistakes when flossing, which can lead to oral health issues.
As a dental therapist who has much experience, I have noticed that many patients repeatedly make the same mistake when it comes to flossing their teeth always. It’s a common misconception that dental flossing is just a simple task that can be done fast and without much thought.

Nevertheless, this couldn’t be different from the fact. The proper dental flossing technique takes time, patience, and preciseness to ensure that you’re cleaning between all of your teeth and along the gum line effectively.

In this writing, I will discuss the common mistakes to avoid when flossing your teeth and why it is important to floss correctly. The 5 Common Mistakes you make while flossing your teeth are;

  1. Flossing with too much force: When you floss, you should be mild and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage your gums and cause bleeding. Rather, gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth and curve it around the bottom of each tooth to remove any plaque or food particles that may be stuck. If you find that your gums are bleeding, try using a softer floss or speak with your dentist about other alternatives.
  2. Using the wrong type of dental floss: There are many types of floss available on the market, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and unflavored. It’s important to find a floss that works for you and your specific needs. For example, if you have tight spaces between your teeth, a piece of waxed floss may be easier to maneuver. If you have sensitive gums, an unflavored floss may be a better option.
  3. Not flossing regularly: Many people think that brushing their teeth twice a day is adequate to maintain good oral hygiene, but flossing is just as important. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gum line, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. Ideally, you should floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  4. Hurrying through your flossing routine: Flossing should take at least two minutes to ensure that you’re cleaning between all of your teeth and along the gum line thoroughly. Take your time and be patient, as hurrying through the process can lead to fruitless cleaning and possible damage to your gums.
  5. Not flossing in the right order: It is important to floss in a particular order to guarantee that you do not miss any areas. Start by flossing the top teeth and then move on to the bottom teeth. Within each section, floss the front teeth first, then the back teeth. This method ensures that you clean all the areas between your teeth and under your gum line.

How to Avoid Dental Flossing Mistakes; Flossing Correctly.

Below are the simple procedures to follow to enable you to floss your teeth correctly.

  • Use a piece of dental floss that is about 18 inches long and wrap it around your index fingers.
  • Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently slide it up and down between your teeth.
  • Curve the floss around the base of each tooth and gently move it back and forth to remove any plaque or food particles.
  • Be sure to use a fresh section of floss for each tooth and don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth.

Conclusion

Dental flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene, but it’s important you do it correctly. With the right technique and some patience, flossing can become a quick and easy routine that will keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

Always remember that your dentist is your best help for information and guidance on keeping good oral hygiene.