You can floss your teeth too frequently and end up damaging your gums and the gum line. If this happens, you have over-flossed. Therefore, you need to use care in this respect, as you can have too much of a good thing.
You Only Need to Floss Once a Day
When it comes to flossing your teeth, you only need to do so once each day, preferably at night before you go to sleep. That way, you can remove any stuck foods that can eat away at the enamel while you sleep. It takes 24 hours for the bacteria to build up, leading to decay, so flossing once daily is usually sufficient.
What Can Happen If You Floss Too Much?
Flossing too much can destroy your gum line and lead to dental erosion. When this happens, both plaque and bacteria can access the space beneath the gum's surface, which can injure the gums, cause a gum infection, or destroy the jawbone. To floss correctly, you need to glide the floss softly between the teeth and scrape each side of a tooth before you go on to the next tooth. Always use about one inch of fresh floss for each tooth you clean with the string. Waxed floss is ideal for patients with tighter spaces between the teeth, as it can be easily guided between the teeth. Flosses that do not have wax tend to shred. You can also use waxed dental tape to clean between wider interdental spaces.
Never Use Any Force While Flossing
Again, it is best to use a gentle touch when flossing your teeth. Otherwise, you can cut into the gum and cause some real damage. Flossing more than once a day does not give your gums sufficient time to recover. Therefore, you need to keep this in mind when it comes to flossing your teeth.
If you have any questions on how to floss, you can always ask us. To book a cleaning and exam, contact us now. We will give you all the support you need to maintain your smile and do so properly.
Dental Blog | Sunnyside Dentistry | Clackamas, OR dentist Dick Hikade, DDS at Sunnyside Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about dental concerns. Sunnyside Dentistry, 14210 SE Sunnyside Rd, Suite 200, Clackamas, OR 97015 ~ (503) 451-5104 ~ sunnysidedentistry.com ~ 10/11/2024 ~ Related Phrases: dentist Clackamas OR ~