The Proper Flossing Technique

 

Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums and chances are you are either not flossing, or not flossing enough. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. At Criscione Family Dentistry we’ve heard every excuse in the book as to why our patients aren’t flossing and today we are going to put an end to them. Next time you stand in front of the mirror to brush your teeth, break out the floss and follow these tips. 

• 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 and don’t forget the back ones! 

If you have questions about maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums and chances are you are either not flossing, or not flossing enough. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. At Criscione Family Dentistry we’ve heard every excuse in the book as to why our patients aren’t flossing and today we are going to put an end to them. Next time you stand in front of the mirror to brush your teeth, break out the floss and follow these tips.

• 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 and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have questions about maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Are You Brushing Correctly?

At Criscione Family Dentistry we want you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime. To do this, you need to brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Many of you may not realize that there is a proper brushing technique, so allow us to introduce you to the correct way to brush your teeth.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

Remember that brushing your teeth isn’t the only part of a complete dental routine. Don’t forget to floss and visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

If you have questions about maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.