5 flossing steps made so easy you can tick them off one finger at a time thanks to Marcos Ortega DDS
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 mouthwash for fresh breath as I speak. That is for friends. Flossing is for me, myself and I. I want healthy gums, therefore I floss.
Pointer: Pointer Fingers Measure
How much floss will I need to floss my 32 teeth? The American Dental Association suggests you start with about 18 inches. About 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 curving the floss around the tooth into a “C” shape, and the up and down motions have wiped away plaque, then “unspool” the floss for a new section for the next tooth’s edges.
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 well enough. Hurray for floss! This smell test says the brushing needs to be adjusted. Be gentle with your gums. Keep those spots at the base of your teeth bacteria free.
Pinky: Time to Promise
Make the commitment 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 causes tooth decay and inflamed gums. Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss. Tooth neglect is a slippery slope.
I’m Dr. Marcos Ortega at Marcos Ortega DDS. 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: 619-295-4545 or meet us online.
Whether you need a bi-annual cleaning or cosmetic dentistry, Marcos Ortega DDS assists in a variety ways with your dental needs.
dental crowns
restorative dentistry
dental implants
teeth whitening
sedation dentistry
One of our specialties is cosmetic dentistry. If you need porcelain veneers or Invisalign invisible braces, then we are your best friends. Our staff members are trained to be courteous, responsible, respectful and focused.
Currently accepting patients from all over: San Diego, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, as well as Mission Hills.