Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and Dr. Jodi Johnson are proud to be your family dentists in St. Louis, MO. We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, so we can help your whole family. We encourage all our patients to keep up great oral hygiene at home, and that includes flossing! Keep reading about flossing and come see us for professional teeth cleaning.

Flossing is important to keep your mouth healthy. Brushing is necessary too, but it can still leave things behind. Removing food debris stuck between the teeth and at the gum line helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Read these three tips for making it easier and come see your dentist in St. Louis, MO!

Floss every day

You should floss at least once a day, whether you do it before or after brushing. It's normal for your gums to bleed easily when you floss if you're not doing so regularly. Once you get into a good habit, you can stop the bleeding in a matter of days.

Use good technique 

To floss properly, you start with a piece of floss about 18 inches in length. Twist the ends of the floss around your index fingers, keeping a 1 to 2-inch piece to use between your fingertips. Slide the floss gently between the teeth and wrap the floss around the side of a tooth. Scrub back and forth gently against the tooth and under the gumline. Move to a clean area of the floss to repeat for your other teeth. Don't forget behind your back teeth!

Use the best tools

When you floss, select the right tools to make it easiest for you. Wax floss can slip between tight spaces a little easier if you're struggling. If you have braces or orthodontic gear, you may want to try floss threaders or a water flosser to clean around the brackets and wire.

Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and Dr. Jodi Johnson want you in great oral health, so keep flossing at least once a day! To make an appointment with your dentist in St. Louis, MO, contact us at (314) 427-7400.