If you aren't a frequent flosser, it may be advantageous for you to ask yourself why you don't take care of your teeth in this way. Your dentist and dental hygienist may express concerns over your lack of flossing, but until you understand the reason that you seldom floss your teeth, you may lack the ability to make a change for the better. One reason that some people don't floss is that doing so bothers their fingers. It's common to wrap the floss around your fingers so tightly that it cuts off the circulation or otherwise causes discomfort, and this can be enough for some people to leave their spool of floss in the medicine cabinet for good. If you're reluctant to floss for this reason, here are some options that you can try.

Change Your Grip

Perhaps the simplest way to avoid cutting off the circulation in your fingers while you floss is to change how you hold the floss. Instead of wrapping it tightly around one finger on each hand, wrap it only loosely — and then pinch the floss with your fingers. For example, make a gentle loop of floss around your middle finger, and then pinch the floss between your thumb and index finger. With this grip, the floss around your middle finger can be loose, and you may find that pinching it with your thumb and index finger improves your control.

Use A Floss Holder

A floss holder is a simple implement that many people use as an alternative to flossing in the traditional manner. Using a floss holder allows you to floss with one hand, makes it easier to reach your back teeth, and prevents you from cutting off the circulation in your fingers while you perform this necessary daily task. A floss holder has a simple but comfortable handle, allowing you to use it without any risk of cutting off the circulation in your fingers.

Try A Water Flosser

Although some dentists will warn that a water flosser isn't a full alternative to using dental floss, there's little doubt that a water flosser is comfortable for you. It blasts a fine jet of water that you can use to clean between your teeth, and it may give your sore fingers some relief because of how easy it is to use. For best results, it's ideal if you can continue to clean your teeth with dental floss but also occasionally use a water flosser.

Talk to a dentist for more information and advice.

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