While the importance of brushing is often emphasized fairly heavily, some people tend to forget that flossing is just as important. A lot of cavities and other teeth or gum issues are the results of poor flossing habits. Because of this, dentists work hard to inform their patients of not only the importance of losing but also several tips that allow them to floss more successfully. This article will discuss 3 dental tips for successful flossing:

Use The Appropriate Floss For Your Teeth

There are several different ways that you can go about flossing your teeth and there isn't a wrong or right answer for everyone. The key is to find the method of flossing that allows you to best floss your teeth. For example, if you have braces, it is going to be necessary for you to use a floss threader in order to get above the wires. If your teeth are very close together, you will want to use floss that is thicker and likely reinforced with some kind of wax. If you find that you can't even get floss between your teeth because they are so tight, then you may want to consider using a water flosser. This is a flossing system that uses pressurized water to shoot the food particle out from between your teeth and gums. Asking your dentist what type of floss is best for you is often a good idea.

Incorporate Flossing Into Your Routine

Just as you make time to get dressed, shower, and eat each day, you should make time to floss your teeth.  If you make flossing part of your regular routine, it will simply be second nature to you to do it, rather than something that you can't seem to make time for. You could even plan on flossing your teeth in the car each day using a portable floss pick if this is the only way that you can get your teeth flossed.

Floss Up Into Your Gums

What some people may not realize is how important it is to floss their teeth clear up into their gums. This is where a lot of plaque and tartar build up, and where a lot of teeth and gum problems start. By using the floss and hugging it clear to the top of each tooth, you successfully remove anything that may be stuck in these areas. Just make sure that you hug the floss to the tooth and don't stab it into the gums.