Linda – The Probiotics Tooth Fairy

Flossing Flip Out!

Frequent Tooth Flossers May Be Doing it All Wrong

I am a long-time fan of flossing my teeth. I love the feeling of knowing there’s nothing stuck between my teeth, and that my smile is truly fresh after I’ve brushed and flossed.
I know that the American Dental Association reports that only about 50 percent of people report flossing at least once a week, but the evidence is in: flossing is very important to overall oral health.

When people floss, they typically wind the floss around their fingers, and use one section of floss to clean between their teeth. Is this the way you were taught to floss? Apparently not only is it not the right way to floss – it can move harmful bacteria from one part of your mouth to the other.

There is only one way to floss properly, and while it may take several steps, it’s not at all complicated.

How to Floss: Step 1

Cut an 18-inch long piece of floss

How to Floss: Step 2

Wrap most of the floss (about 13 inches) around one middle finger, leave two inches for flossing, and wrap the remainder of the floss around the middle finger on the other hand.

How to Floss: Step 3

Using your thumbs and forefingers to hold the floss, gently slide the floss between your teeth. Be sure not to force or snap the floss between your teeth, as this can aggravate your gums and cause unnecessary bleeding.

How to Floss: Step 4

Gently glide the floss toward the gums making a C shape (basically following the natural curve of your teeth into your gums) toward the gum line. Be sure to stop when the floss shows resistance against the gum tissue.

How to Floss: Step 5

Carefully work the floss up and down the space to remove bacteria and food particles.

How to Floss: Step 6

Before moving on to the next tooth, wrap the used floss around the middle finger with less floss, and let another 2 inches slack for the next tooth.
Repeat all steps until your teeth are all flossed. Don’t forget to floss the area behind your back teeth!

The best time to introduce beneficial bacteria (or probiotics) into the mouth is just after you have brushed and flossed. These probiotics can be found in a quick-dissolve probiotic mint that is tasty and leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean for hours after brushing.

Probiotics have been clinically proven to coat the teeth, gums and tongue, crowding out harmful bacteria and offering the benefits of whiter teeth, fresher breath and healthier teeth and gums.