Not Flossing Daily
One of the most common mistakes people make with flossing is simply not doing it every day. Many people argue that flossing takes too much time, so they skip it on days when they are in a hurry. However, when you skip flossing sessions it makes it harder to keep flossing in your daily routine, which makes it more likely that you will eventually discontinue flossing altogether. Instead, working to improve your flossing routine can make it go faster. Not to mention, flossing does not take that long to begin with.
Flossing Too Much
Although this mistake is not nearly as common as not flossing enough, it is still a mistake that some people make. It is recommended that you only floss once a day, and this is just the perfect amount. Flossing too much can irritate your gums and can even damage the gum tissue.
Not Using the Right Type of Floss
There are different types of dental floss and each type has its own set of characteristics. While these characteristics can make one type of floss perfect for one person, they can also make a certain type of floss not ideal for another. The key is to find the type of floss that works best for your teeth.
Flossing at the Wrong Time
Did you know that there is an ideal time to floss? If not, don’t worry you’re not alone. The best time to floss is just before bedtime. Since saliva flow is decreased while you sleep, any remaining plaque has the ability to do more damage to your teeth and gums. Therefore, removing this plaque before you go to bed is recommended to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It is also recommended to floss before you brush your teeth so that the fluoride in toothpaste can better coat the spaces between your teeth.
Irritating Your Gums
Another common mistake that people make while flossing is that they unintentionally irritate their gums. This can cause bleeding, discomfort, and eventually, gum recession. The reason gums become irritated from flossing is usually because the floss is being forcefully moved over the gums or is applying pressure. To prevent this from happening, be sure to floss in a downward direction on your upper teeth and in an upward direction on your lower teeth. This will keep the floss moving away from your gums and will prevent them from becoming irritated.
Not Flossing Around Dental Appliances or Restorations
While dental restorations are not susceptible to tooth decay, it is still important to floss around their base. In these cases, you may need to use a floss threader or a special type of floss that is stiffer and somewhat spongy. This allows you to get into places that traditional floss cannot normally reach due to fixed dental appliances or restorations.
