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The Role of a Hygienist | Helpful Hints on Brushing and Flossing |
Facts on Flossing | Your Dental Health and Pregnancy |
Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy | Gum Disease | Stroke |
Diet and Decay
As important as brushing is, it will not remove plaque and particles of food, especially chewy, sticky foods, cakes and lollies from between your teeth, under the gum-line, or caught in braces. Flossing these spaces at least once a day is the most effective way of cleaning between your teeth. At night before bed is usually the best time, so as to remove any food accumulated from meals throughout the day.
When you floss be careful to avoid injury to your gums. Following these instructions will help maximise your flossing effectiveness:
- Draw out a length of floss approximately 50cm long and wind it loosely around your middle fingers.
- Between your thumb and forefinger hold taut a length of floss 5 – 7cm. Carefully insert the floss between two teeth using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss to the gum-line, but do not force it under your gums. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth
- Repeat this process with a clean length of floss of approximately 5 – 7cm between all your teeth. Remember to floss the back and sides of your back teeth
Flossing after brushing will help to push tooth protecting fluoride between your teeth where your brush cannot reach.
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