by Aliyeus J

Created on: February 12, 2011

Human beings are always looking for ways to maintain good health, but many people have failed to realize the importance of conducting oral health, which in many ways is the very cornerstone of our body’s overall health. Quite simply, if you are not in the habit of practicing good oral hygiene, you could be opening the door to gum disease and other problems.

Surprisingly, an estimated 75% of Americans are walking around with the condition of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other related dental problems. All this, due to poor oral hygiene practices. Gum disease can affect, not only your dental health, but evidence, as garnered by some studies, has shown that gingivitis, or the more serious condition of periodontitis, may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. And furthermore, research continuously presents people having diabetes, as often times having some form of gum disease, as well. And still, there are yet more studies which have been done, all showing a direct link between gum disease and other health ailments.

Aside from brushing the teeth multiple times a day, one should diligently floss, as well. Brushing may seem sufficient alone in ensuring optimal oral health, but flossing helps to remove plaque, and food particles from hard-to-reach areas of the dental structure, and is therefore quite important. Plaque left to build-up can quickly lead to gum disease, and this is exactly what needs to be avoided for optimal oral health.   

Flossing, even when done incorrectly, can be beneficial to maintaining oral health. But to ensure maximum results, one should consider how to floss correctly.

Most dentists would recommend flossing just once per day, but the rule of thumb for both, brushing and flossing of the teeth, should be to ensure plaque and particles are removed from the dental structure of the mouth as much as possible throughout the day, and before bed time. Food particles left in the mouth over-night will breed bacteria rather quickly. This is why it is a good idea to brush right before bed-time, and first thing in the morning.

Let us Floss

To begin the flossing process, one should gather about 18 inches of flossing rope, most of which, needs to be wrapped around both middle fingers. In the space between the two fingers, leave about 2 inches of the roping unwrapped, as this length will be needed for actual flossing.

Use thumbs and index fingers to maneuver the unwrapped 2 inches of floss roping between, up and down,  and around

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