Flossing is the middle step between brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash.
When you floss, you reach areas of the mouth that bristles of a brush can’t. Flossing is simple too, just follow these steps to floss successfully:
Unwind and snip off about 18 inches of floss. Wind each end of the floss around the middle finger of both hands until only an inch or two is left.
Pull the floss taut, and with your index finger and thumb to hold it steady, gently work the floss between each tooth.
Slow down when you reach the gums and slowly pull the floss until it touches the gums, but do not snap or scrape the floss across the gums.
Flossing helps to remove plaque and food debris, so make sure to wind and unwind the floss to use a clean section when moving between teeth.
If the floss gets stuck, unwind it from your finger and pull it free, making sure that it is not sliding across the gum line.
A little bleeding may occur along the gum line, but it should stop and not hurt.Â
If excessive bleeding occurs, there is pain, or you notice discoloration or receding gums, make an appointment with a dentist immediately.
After flossing, make sure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash. You can read more about using mouthwash and products made with natural ingredients here.
Flossing Products
Dental Floss and Tape
Activated Charcoal Floss Vegan from Dr. Tungs is made to help absorb odors, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth, and is also vegan.
For braces wearers, try Smart Floss Cardamom Flavor, also from Dr. Tungs. This stretchable floss is great because it cleans while you pull it longer, getting more of each tooth in the process. Simply relax your fingers and it retracts.
Tea Tree Oil Dental Floss or Tape (ideal for people with gaps between teeth or those looking for comfort) from Desert Essence is an ideal replacement for your conventional flossing products. It is naturally waxed and contains tea tree oils to help regulate normal microbial growth in the mouth.
Coconut Oil Xylitol + White Charcoal Floss from Dr. Gingers is a detoxifying floss for the mouth. It is made with coconut oil, charcoal, and xylitol, and may help to regulate microbial growth and support normal gum development.
Toothpicks
Toothpicks With Tea Tree Oil from Tea Tree Therapy come in either cinnamon or mint flavors, and are made from birchwood for strength. Each toothpick is naturally antimicrobial, help to freshen breath, and may help smokers to ease cravings.
If you find food gets stuck between your teeth, there is yellowing, or you want to feel extra good about your oral health, flossing will make a great addition to your oral care regimen.
