While flossing in and of itself is essential to the overall health of your gums and teeth, it is also essential that you are flossing correctly. If you are not flossing correctly, you are not going to get all of the possible benefits out of flossing your teeth, This can make flossing somewhat of a waste of time for you, which is definitely not what you want to happen when you are making the effort to do so. Thankfully, your dentist is going to be a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to proper flossing techniques. They can teach you some simple techniques, and give you some great tips for flossing your teeth successfully. This article is going to discuss 2 flossing tips that your dentist can teach you. 

Use a Water Pick And/Or Floss Threader For Hard To Floss Areas

There are going to be some areas in your mouth that are harder to floss than others. These locations may be more difficult to floss because you have braces covering your teeth, you have a permanent retainer in place, or your teeth are simply very close together in some spots. Whatever the case may be, your dentist may recommend that you use a water pick or a floss threader for these areas. A floss threader is a stiff piece of floss that has a loop in it. Your regular floss is going to be woven through this loop, and then the floss threader will thread through the top of your tooth. This allows you to get the floss through so that you can floss above braces or permanent retainers, and so you can actually get in between tight teeth. A water pick is also an excellent, but a bit more pricey option, because it uses pressurized water to blast the areas between your teeth clean. 

Curve Your Floss Into A "C" Shape

Your dentist will also likely tell you that when you get your floss up and between your teeth, it is going to be best for you to curve it into a "C" shape. This is going to allow you to floss huge areas and effectively clean the entire surface area of your tooth, clear up into the gum line. It is also going to reduce the risk of you going straight up into your gums and making them bleed, or otherwise feel pain, when it isn't necessary.  

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