Flossing

No amount of brushing can reach plaque and food between the teeth or under the gum. Flossing will clean these hard to reach areas and you should floss at least once a day.

Begin with an 18 inch piece of floss. Position one end of the floss between your thumb and index finger of your right hand and place the thumb and index finger of your left hand about three inches down the floss. Move both hands down the floss as you clean to use a fresh section.

Gently slide the floss between the teeth and up to the gum line. Curve the floss around a tooth and slide it toward the biting surface scraping the side of the tooth. Repeat this process on both sides of every tooth.

Teeth which anchor bridges must also be flossed at least daily. Bridge threaders or special flosses help get the floss beneath the bridge.

It is very important to brush and floss routinely. There is no way to skip a day and make up for it by greater attention the next day. Plaque hardens within 24 hours and once hardened, requires professional help to remove it. People who can’t or don’t brush and floss daily should plan to have their teeth cleaned 4 times a year.

Periodontal Disease

Web MD has a great article about periodontal disease. Click here to read it and you'll get serious about flossing.