Improve your oral health with these exercises
What's the story
Want to level up your dental health game? Apparently, the secret lies in mastering the art of flossing.
This article delves into five finger exercises that aim to improve dexterity, thereby optimizing your flossing experience.
These exercises are straightforward, do not require any special tools, and can be performed anywhere, making them ideal for anyone seeking to enhance their dental care routine.
Thumb flex
Thumb opposition touch
This exercise requires you to touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger on the same hand, individually.
Start with your index finger and progress to your little finger, then reverse the direction back to the index finger.
Repeat this exercise for two minutes on each hand every day. It enhances your thumb mobility and control, which is essential for gripping floss.
Tap control
Finger taps
Place your hand flat on a table with all fingers spread out.
Raise one finger at a time off the table then lower it back down, starting with your thumb and progressing to your little finger.
This exercise isolates each finger, improving control and accuracy when navigating floss between teeth.
Perform this sequence 10 times for each finger on both hands.
Stretch it
Palm stretch
Extend your arm out in front of you with your fingers spread wide.
Use your other hand to gently pull back on each fingertip towards you, stretching the muscles of the palm and fingers.
Hold the stretch for 15 seconds for each finger. This increases flexibility in your hands and fingers, helping you reach all areas of your mouth effectively while flossing.
Wrist flexibility
Wrist flexor stretch
Extend one arm straight out in front of you at shoulder height, palm facing down.
With your other hand, gently press down on the fingers of the extended hand until you feel a stretch along the inside of your forearm and wrist.
Hold this position for 20 seconds, then switch arms.
Enhanced wrist flexibility facilitates improved angle modifications while holding the floss.
Grip strength
Finger squeeze ball exercise
Hold a soft foam ball or a stress ball, squeeze it tightly with all five fingers of one hand, and then release slowly.
Do this 10 times per session for each hand once a day.
This exercise improves grip strength, which is necessary for holding onto floss without it slipping during use.