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The day after Thanksgiving is National Flossing Day, which is a health care campaign that aims to remind Americans everywhere of the importance of flossing. Although brushing is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene, toothbrush bristles cannot reach deep enough between the teeth to remove any food particles that have gotten lodged there. Floss, on the other hand, can. Below, the dental care team at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, explains why everyone should be flossing once a day.

A Guide to Flossing as Part of Your Regular Dental Care Routine

Why It’s Important

Flossing daily ensures that you dislodge any and all food particles that might have gotten stuck between your teeth over the last 24 hours. This prevents plaque and tartar from accumulating between the teeth. Even if you have perfect brushing habits, you can still develop gingivitis if you do not floss regularly because bacteria can thrive in places that are out of a toothbrush’s reach.

How to Do It Correctly

dental careFor optimum oral health, you need to practice good flossing techniques. Otherwise, it will not be as beneficial as it could be. First, start with approximately 18 inches of floss, and wrap most of it around each middle finger until you have approximately two inches to use. Then, pull the floss tautly between your index fingers and thumbs, and slide it between the first two teeth.

Curve it around the base of each tooth gently, and make sure you reach it just below the gumline. After you finish the first space, move to a clean section of floss and do the same thing between the next two teeth. Continue until you have flossed between all of your teeth.

Most people indulge over the holidays, which means they consume more sugar and alcohol than normal. Thus, there is no better time to perfect your oral hygiene habits than on National Flossing Day. Of course, flossing and brushing are not the only essential components of quality dental care. You also need to schedule a professional cleaning at your local family dentistry clinic every six months.

If you need a dentist in Cincinnati, OH, who can treat the entire family, turn to Lowitz & Meier. You can make an appointment at their dentist office by calling (513) 521-8900. In the meantime, you can learn more about the quality dental care they provide by visiting their website

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