Flossing is a pretty standard part of any oral care routine, but are you doing it right?

Flossing: Our Westland, MI dentists Dr. Dennis Aylward and Drs. Brent and Allison Carey do it when you come in for your six-month Flossingcleaning, but do you do it every day? Flossing is a big deal when it comes to keeping your mouth clean. Sure, a toothbrush can clean bacteria and food away from the surface of your teeth, but only floss can get into the hard-to-reach spots. So be honest with yourself: how often are you flossing, when you are flossing, and are you doing it properly?

How Often Are You Flossing?

You should be flossing everyday if you want to maintain the best oral care possible. By not flossing, you may still leave behind plaque and food particles in between teeth because your toothbrush just can’t get into those areas like floss can. If you leave plaque on your teeth, it can turn to tartar, which no amount of brushing will remove. Tartar is the nasty culprit responsible for gum disease. To protect your mouth against infections or diseases, it’s time you started flossing more regularly.

Are You Flossing Correctly?

If you floss properly, then you’ll be able to target and eliminate plaque from between teeth and under the gumline. In order to reap the most benefits from your daily flossing, follow these helpful hints from our Westland, MI family dentists:

  • Start with about 18 inches of floss (don’t be stingy!). Use your middle finger to wind the floss, leaving about one to two inches of floss to work with.
  • Hold the floss tight while gliding it between the teeth being sure to go against the curve of the tooth. Remember to be gentle with your gums, particularly if you aren’t a regular flosser (they might be more sensitive).
  • Don’t forget to also floss right beneath the gumline.
  • You’ll want to use a clean section of floss for in between each tooth.
  • When you want to remove the floss never force it, as it can damage gums. Instead, use the same back-and-forth motion you used to slide the floss in between your teeth.

Contact your Westland, MI Dentist

Adopt a daily flossing habit and you’ll quickly start seeing the major benefits. Of course, no oral care routine would be complete without a six-month visit to our Westland, MI dental office. If it’s time for you or a family member’s routine checkup then call Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC today.


Westland, MI Dentist Carey & Aylward, DDS, PC
32540 Warren Road Westland, MI 48185 (734) 425-9130 Dentist in Westland, MI Call For Pricing Options