Today’s post is for smart kids who want to make flossing a habit. Here are 5 flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Alaska Premier Dental Group.
Thumbkin: Thumb to Chest Reminder
Thumb to chest can remind me that this isn’t for my friends. Brushing the gunk off so I don’t gross them out. Rinsing with a fluoride rinse for fresh breath as I speak. That is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. Your overall oral health depends not only on healthy teeth but also healthy gums, therefore I floss.
Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association counsels that you start with about 18 inches. Roughly 6 lengths of your pointer finger should be adequate.
Tall Man: Wrap the Middle Fingers
This is a team exercise. With the middle fingers wound up in the floss, the thumb and forefinger can grip and guide the floss into place. After curving the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and the up and down motions have wiped away plaque, then “unspool” for a new section for the next tooth in line.
Ring Man: The Smell Test
Many a long term relationship has been cut short due to not-so-fresh breath. Smell floss before going between teeth. Smell it after. Bad smell? Brushing is not cleaning away that bacteria sufficiently. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be tweaked. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those spots at the base of your teeth bacteria free.
Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the vow now. Every time you look at your pinky, remember that you pinky promised to keep those gums free from disease. Flossing isn’t so much about removing food as it is about removing dental plaque. Plaque results in cavities and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease can eventually cause tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.
At Alaska Premier Dental Group our dentists encourage you to take care of your oral health needs for a happier, healthier life. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Alaska Premier Dental Group:
907-337-0404
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
6611 DeBarr Rd, Ste 100 and 200
Anchorage, Alaska
99504
