When it comes to oral hygiene, most of us think that aggressively brushing the front surface of our teeth is enough. However, in reality, oral hygiene refers to the detailed cleaning of all surfaces of your anterior and posterior teeth. Also, when discussing oral health, remember that brushing and flossing go hand in hand. But if you have trouble reaching that back teeth while flossing and wonder, “how to floss back teeth?” you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss practical tips and techniques for flossing back teeth.
Why Should I Floss My Back Teeth?
Before getting into the discussion of how to floss back teeth, let’s first understand why flossing them is so important. Most people floss their anterior teeth only, leaving the back teeth due to manual dexterity or limited mouth opening. But what if I told you those back teeth are the most important ones?
While your front teeth are the ones others see, they only cut and bite when chewing. The premolars and molars do the heavy lifting. Chewing and grinding are carried out entirely by the posterior teeth, which means they come in contact with food particles the most.
Additionally, the back teeth have many pits and fissures, which are more prone to plaque accumulation and hard to clean, hence at higher risk for decay. This means that they require detailed cleaning to maintain oral health.
So next time you want to skip flossing back teeth, think again.
How to Floss Back Teeth?
Flossing back teeth can be a challenge. However, if you know the proper flossing teeth technique, it becomes easier. Let’s discuss a step-by-step guide on how to floss back teeth properly.
1. Choose the Right Floss:
Before flossing, selecting the correct type of floss for the job is imperative. Research shows that PTFE floss is preferred over nylon floss due to its low surface roughness and tensile strength.
Some people prefer waxed floss over unwaxed floss due to its ease of movement between teeth. However, since waxed floss is thicker than unwaxed floss, it sometimes does not go between the tight spaces of back teeth. So it depends upon your personal preference.
2. Wash Your Hands:
Before putting your hands in your mouth, wash them thoroughly to prevent bacterial contamination.
3. Take the Floss Out:
Take a healthy amount of floss out of the container. For back teeth, take more than 18 inches so you have enough to reach them.
4. Hold the Floss Correctly:
The correct way to hold the floss is to wrap most of it from both ends to your middle fingers, leaving about an inch in between to maneuver it easily between teeth. Hold the middle part between your index fingers and thumbs for better control.
5. Relax Your Mouth:
Now, the trick to reach the back teeth is to relax your mouth. If you open your mouth too wide, you won’t be able to position the floss properly around your back teeth. Instead, try relaxing your mouth muscles. It reduces tension and makes your mouth more flexible, allowing you to reach the back teeth more effectively.
6. Floss in a Sawing Motion:
Put the dental floss between your back teeth and start a to-and-fro, sawing motion. This will loosen all the food particles or plaque buildup between your teeth.
7. Curve the Floss in a C-shape:
Once you’ve finished sawing, make a C-shape around each tooth. Be careful not to snap the floss while doing so.
8. Swipe Away from the Gumline:
All the debris should have been loosened up by now. Now, take your dental floss below the gumline and move it in a sweeping motion away from the gumline. Repeat this motion a few times to ensure a thorough clean-up. This step prevents gum disease and maintains healthy gums.
9. Repeat for Each Tooth:
Repeat this same procedure for each tooth until all your back teeth are properly flossed. Roll the floss on one finger and release some unused floss from the other.
What are Some Alternatives to Traditional Flossing?
If you still can’t floss your back teeth with the way we explained due to limited mouth opening or any other reason, here are some different ways to do it.
Floss Picks:
Floss picks are plastic devices with a small piece of floss attached at their end. They have proven to be as effective as traditional flossing in removing interdental plaque. Their long handles make reaching the back areas of your mouth easier. When using a floss pick, be careful while making the saw motion. If you do it rapidly, the plastic handle can hurt your gums. Dispose of the floss pick after one use.
Water Flosser:
A water flosser is another device used in place of dental floss. Like a pressure washer, it washes off the dirt from your vehicle, and a water flosser washes off the debris accumulated between your teeth.
Interdental Brushes:
Interdental brushes are mainly used to clean teeth by people with braces. However, their use as an alternative to traditional flossing devices has also been encouraged.
How Often Should I Floss?
Although there is no specific number for flossing each day, like brushing, it is best to floss after every meal. For your ease, couple it with brushing. After brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, do a round of flossing. Brushing sometimes can shove some food particles into your interdental spaces. By maintaining the routine of brushing and flossing alongside, you can clean up those particles effectively.
Conclusion
Towards the end of this guide, we hope to have answered your question of how to floss back teeth. Flossing back teeth along with brushing is essential to maintain optimum oral hygiene. These areas are difficult to reach and, hence, prone to plaque build-up and decay.
However, if you are still confused regarding how to floss back molars, contact our dental expert in Blairstown, NJ. Our best dentist in Newton, NJ, will guide you to the best method and technique for you. So buckle up and start flossing.
