“Flossing” is a word that I typically see most patients, friends, and family cringe at!

It isn’t the most complex exercise, however, it does seem to be one we tend to skip over for
reasons we could attempt to diagnose. But the truth is that it’s rarely practiced, and it has
quite an impressive impact!

If I had to choose between Flossing or Brushing in order to
prevent decay and gum disease, the answer would be FLOSSING! Of COURSE as a
dental professional I recommend BOTH!! However, if you would like to reduce the time you spend with us dentists 😉 I recommend
“GIVING FLOSS THE BIRD!”

What do I mean by that!? Personally I chose to use a flossing
device vs regular floss because my fingers felt like the circulation was being cut off by the floss. I also
felt like in order to reach my back teeth I had to get nearly my entire fist in my mouth! This didn’t
seem right. But eventually I learned that my technique was incorrect. There is even an insert in
floss packaging demonstrating, with diagrams, the proper way to position and guide dental floss!

It begins by using the proper length and correct positioning of the floss on the MIDDLE TWO
FINGERS! Then like knitting, the index fingers apply the pressure and guidance
to access your entire mouth preventing fists in mouth and loss of finger circulation while flossing.

So, lace the floss around your middle fingers “GIVING FLOSS THE BIRD!” 🙂
One alternative to traditional floss would be to utilize a variety of flossing sticks on the market,
yet again, “GIVING FLOSS THE BIRD!” 🙂

Whatever way you decide works best for you, we hope that you will consider how flossing can improve you and your family’s oral hygiene!
Remember, if you have any interest in reducing your chair time with the dentist…
GIVE FLOSS THE BIRD! 🙂

-Dr.Dax