Today’s post is for smart kids who want to make flossing a habit. Here are 5 flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry, on the web at https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/.
Thumbkin: Thumb to Chest Reminder
Thumb to chest can remind me that this isn’t for my friends. Brushing the goobers off so I don’t gross them out. Rinsing with a fluoride rinse for fresh breath as I speak. That is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. I want Healthy gums are as important as healthy teeth, therefore I floss.
Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association recommends that you commence with about 18 inches. Roughly 6 lengths of your pointer finger should suffice.
Tall Man: Wrap the Middle Fingers
This is a team effort. With the middle fingers wound up in the floss, the thumb and forefinger can grip and guide the floss into place. After sliding the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and the up and down motions have wiped away plaque, then “unspool” for a new section for the next tooth in line.
Ring Man: The Smell Test
Many a long term relationship has been cut short due to not-so-fresh breath. Smell floss before going between teeth. Smell it after. Bad smell? Brushing is not cleaning away that bacteria sufficiently. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be adjusted. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those areas at the base of your teeth bacteria free.
Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the pledge now. Every time you look at your pinky, remember that you pinky promised to keep those gums free from disease. Flossing isn’t so much about removing food as it is about removing dental plaque. Plaque leads to dental caries and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease can eventually cause tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.
I’m Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry. I encourage you to take care of your oral health needs for a happier, healthier life.
Use those fingers to dial our number for a consultation: 303-665-5335 or meet us online https://www.bouldercountysmiles.com/. We are currently accepting new patients.
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Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
303-665-5335
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026