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Why Flossing is Your Smile's Best Friend

flossing

Most of us are aware of the practice: brush for two minutes, two times a day. If your only form of oral care is brushing, it may be only 35% effective. It’s like washing the front and back of your car while leaving the sides all dirty – that’s how it feels when you skip the floss! In Canada, we love our snacks and maple treats, but those little bits of food love to hide where a toothbrush can’t reach.

How Flossing Works Its Magic

You don’t need to be a pro to get it right. Here is a simple way to make sure you’re getting the job done:

Length Matters

Pull out about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.

The "C" Shape

Gently slide the floss between two teeth. Instead of just snapping it up and down, curve it into a “C” shape around the side of the tooth.

Slide and Glide

Move the floss up and down against the side of the tooth and slightly under the gumline.

Fresh Start

As you move from tooth to tooth, unwrap a clean section of floss so you aren’t just moving bacteria from one spot to another.

Finding the Right Tool

Have you grown tired of string? Not an issue! You can easily keep these gaps clean in many ways. Floss picks provide a great way to clean on the go or for kids. Water flossers work by blasting water to dislodge debris. They are a fantastic choice for people with braces or those who find string floss a little trickier to handle.

Consistency is Key

It might feel like a chore at first, but flossing once a day—ideally right before bed—makes a massive difference in how your mouth feels. Your gums might be a little sensitive or bleed slightly the first few times, but don’t let that stop you. Usually, that’s just a sign that your gums need a bit more TLC. Within a week or two of regular care, they will feel much tougher and healthier.