While you may be an A-plus student when it comes to brushing your teeth at least twice a day, many people receive a failing grade for flossing. Often, this daily oral care practice is just easily overlooked — and many think they can get away with not doing it.

Yet, flossing is a very important part of dental hygiene. It helps fight plaque and prevent gum disease by removing bacteria and food debris from between the teeth and along the gumline. And healthy gums are foundational to a beautiful, healthy smile.

Here are three secrets to ace the flossing test every single day.

1. Choose the Floss That’s Right for You

With so many dental floss options out there, it may be difficult to know what floss to choose. But the right floss for you can make all the difference in how effortless and comfortable it is to prioritize this daily habit.

At SMILE! Advanced Dental Center, we generally recommend waxed string floss as opposed to unwaxed because it easily glides between teeth. Waxed dental tape is also a good option if you have wider gaps between your teeth or sensitive gums.

Flossers, which are little hand-held floss picks made of plastic with floss stretched across the top, are an on-the-go way to floss easily when you’re not at home.

Water flossers might also be worth considering. They use a pressurized stream of water to remove food particles and plaque that are stuck between teeth and along the gum line. “Where we see the most success with water flossing is with anyone who has advanced dental work,” says Dr. Stephen Parker of SMILE! Advanced Dental Center. The team at SMILE! recommends the Waterpik® Water Flosser for its optimal combination of pressure and pulsation. The brand has a specially designed Orthodontic Tip which does a good job of removing plaque and food particles around brackets and wires while massaging and stimulating the gums to improve gum health.

But, if you’re diligent about string flossing and don’t have any major oral issues or concerns, you don’t need to invest in a water flosser, too — unless you want to up the ante on your daily dental regimen.

2. Perfect Your Flossing Technique

With a few best practices, flossing will become both easy and effective for you.

First, if you’re using string or tape floss, make sure to use enough — this isn’t the time to be stingy! Generally, a length of about 18 inches will give you enough floss to wind around your middle fingers — leaving a few inches of floss in between.

You’ll want to use a clean section of string or tape floss for each tooth, so 18 inches generally gives you the floss “real estate” to make that happen.

As you floss in between each tooth, take note to not just quickly flick through each tooth. Rather, curve the floss around the base of the tooth to reach the gumline and all the surface area of the tooth.

Remember to be gentle as you floss; otherwise, you could create some gum irritation and bleeding.

3. Floss Daily

You can implement all the best floss and flossers — and use all the right techniques — but if you’re not flossing daily, it simply won’t be as effective in preventing the build-up of plaque and subsequent gum disease.

Once you get in the habit of flossing, it will be as routine to you as brushing your teeth — and your overall oral health will reap the benefits.

Note: If you experience consistent pain or bleeding of your gums when you floss, it’s important to consult with your dentist, as these can be signs of a more serious condition that needs to be treated.

Don’t let flossing be the F on your oral care report card. If you have any questions about your oral health — or need to schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning in Summerville, SC — contact SMILE! Advanced Dental Center today.

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At SMILE! Advanced Dental Center, we recommend night guards, a special type of mouth guard, that protects your teeth from damage and prevents teeth grinding while you sleep. This night guard is made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth.

To find some relief and help save your smile, give us a call at 843-873-1261 or contact us here today.