Your flossing questions answered!

What is dental floss and why should I use it?
Dental floss is a cord of thin filaments that removes food and plaque that stick between teeth where a toothbrush is unable to reach, polishes hard to reach tooth surfaces, and can help control bad breath.

What kind of floss should I use?
It really is a matter of personal preference. Waxed floss has a coating that helps it slide through tight spaces. Unwaxed floss does not have this coating, so it is thinner. You can also use Dental tape which is helpful if you have a bridge or wider spaces between your teeth. There are also disposable floss picks, pre-threaded floss-holders that can help you get into hard to reach areas.

How many times a day should I floss?
It is recommended to floss one time a day. By flossing your teeth once daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease.

Should I floss in the morning or night?
You can floss anytime! While some like to floss in the morning or after lunch, many prefer to floss at night to remove the food and plaque that has built up throughout the day before heading to bed. The most important thing is to get it done- so do it when it works for you!

Is it better to floss before or after I brush?
Flossing first allows you to loosen up the particles in between teeth, and then brushing and rinsing will wash it all away. Some argue that flossing after brushing is preferable because it helps the fluoride in the toothpaste work its way between the teeth. Either is fine as long as you do a thorough job!

What is the proper way to floss?