FLOSS LIKE A BOSS-AGENT FLOSSIT REPORTING!

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Agent Flossit here, wishing you well!

I’m always stressing the importance of Good Oral Hygiene & one of the most important components is FLOSSING! Too often people (adults & children), either don’t floss or don’t understand the benefits & importance of flossing. Even flossing can be a fun activity to teach your kids! It’s time for Agent Flossit to teach all about Flossing Like a Boss:)

BENEFITS OF FLOSSING:

A consistent flossing routine is vital for anyone aspiring to maintain long-term dental health. Here at Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics http://www.casasmiles.com/, our goal is to see that our patients have healthy & beautiful smiles. Flossing gives your teeth a more clean feeling & removes plaque & food particles that can cause long-term damage. While proper toothbrushing is sufficient for cleaning the tops & outer surfaces of your teeth & gums, the best way to ensure food & particles don’t camp out between your teeth is to floss regularly. If food & particles become lodged in the nooks & crannies of your teeth, not only can cavities form on the teeth, but the damage can extend as far as causing bone loss (or periodontal disease). The best way to keep those in-between areas clean is to FLOSS.

WHEN TO FLOSS & HOW TO?

For children, remember that as soon as he or she has two teeth that touch, it’s the right time to start flossing! The most important thing about flossing is to do it! Because flossing demands more manual dexterity than very young children have, children are not usually able to floss well by themselves until about age 10 or 11. So, it’s up to SUPER moms & dads to help out our little ones & create good habits early on.

If you are using traditional floss, there are 5 basic steps to follow in order to do it right:

5 Steps to a Flawless Floss

We know we should floss at least once a day, but not everyone knows the right way to do it. Use this step-by-step guide to find out how to properly floss your teeth:

	Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
	Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
	Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
	When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
	Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

Once you’re finished, throw the floss away. A used piece of floss won’t be as effective and could leave bacteria behind in your mouth.

Another options is to use Floss Picks. This may be more enticing for the little ones & easier to use.

Yet another option is Water Flossing for children ages 6 & up. There is a really great one by Waterpik that we recommend. It is a great option for kids with braces or ones that have trouble flossing.