3 Flossing Mistakes to Avoid

Flossing, in addition to brushing regularly, are absolutely essential when it comes to maintaining your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that people should floss at least once a day and brush twice a day in order to maintain their oral health. 

Flossing is so crucial because we’re not always able to get rid of debris and bacteria that are stuck in our teeth through brushing. We need supplemental help, in addition to brushing, to remove plaque, tartar, and other bacteria that gets stuck in hard-to-reach places. Undoubtedly, flossing is crucial to our oral health. However, not everyone does it properly. Therefore, it is important that you know and understand how to floss properly to ensure that you are doing whatever it takes to take care of your oral health and to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. In this blog, we will discuss five flossing mistakes to avoid.

Don’t Floss Aggressively

One of the most important tips to know when it comes to flossing your teeth is to not floss aggressively or roughly. You want to ensure that you are effectively removing any leftover plaque, tartar, and bacteria; however, you must be gentle on your teeth and gums. If you floss too aggressively, your gums can become inflamed and irritated, which can lead to bleeding. This can ultimately lead to other dental health issues, which you certainly want to avoid. When you floss, take your time and do it gently to ensure that you remove the bacteria and debris from your teeth; however, don’t apply so much pressure or hurt your gums while you’re at it. 

Take Your Time When Flossing

Another important tip to know is to take your time while flossing. If you floss too quickly, this can ultimately result in a poor technique, which can cause irritation and hurt your gums. 

Don’t Floss Too Frequently

Next, dentists recommend that you only need to floss once per day. This should be done before you brush your teeth prior to bedtime. However, you shouldn’t floss too frequently, as this can cause more harm than good. Your gums are sensitive and flossing too often can result in the gum tissue becoming inflamed and irritated. 

Contact Simi Valley Periodontics

If you suffer from gum irritation or inflammation, then it is important that you seek help from your dentist or a periodontist in Simi Valley. Our team can provide you with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention you need to ensure that your gums and teeth are in the best health possible. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a highly experienced Simi Valley periodontist!