Are You Supposed To Floss Your Back Teeth
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and gum lines, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. However, some people wonder if they should floss their back teeth. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with some helpful tips on how to floss your back teeth effectively.
What Are Back Teeth?
Back teeth, also known as molars and premolars, are the teeth at the back of your mouth. They are larger and flatter than your front teeth and are used for chewing and grinding food. Adults usually have 12 molars and 8 premolars, and they usually erupt between the ages of 6 and 25.
Why Floss Your Back Teeth?
Many people neglect to floss their back teeth because they think they are not visible and, therefore, not important. However, this is not true. Your back teeth are just as important as your front teeth, and flossing them is essential for good oral health. The surfaces between your back teeth are tight, making it easier for food particles and plaque to accumulate. If left unremoved, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
How To Floss Your Back Teeth?
Flossing your back teeth is not difficult, but it does require some technique. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to floss your back teeth:
- Take a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and glide it gently between your teeth.
- Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
When To Floss Your Back Teeth?
It is recommended to floss at least once a day, preferably at night before brushing your teeth. This will help to remove any food particles and plaque that may have accumulated throughout the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flossing your back teeth is just as important as flossing your front teeth. It helps to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and gum lines, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Use the techniques outlined in this article to floss your back teeth effectively, and make sure to floss at least once a day for optimal oral health.