Oral health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. While we all pay attention to brushing our teeth twice a day, there is one very crucial oral hygiene habit that often goes unnoticed – dental flossing. Yes, you read that right! Brushing your teeth twice a day is not enough to keep your mouth clean. Dental floss is an essential tool for removing plaque and food debris from the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. In this article, we will discuss how to use dental floss correctly, different types of flossing tools, and their benefits.
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What is Dental Floss?
Dental floss is a thin thread made of nylon or plastic that is used to clean between the teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach. It is a crucial tool for maintaining oral hygiene as it effectively removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from areas between teeth where other aids such as toothbrushes, water pick may not be as effective.
Dental floss is an integral component of maintaining optimal oral health. By using it correctly alongside brushing twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly, you are taking important steps towards achieving healthy teeth and gums for life!
The Benefits of Dental Flossing
Dental floss is not a substitute for toothbrush, but it is equally important. Flossing regularly has numerous benefits for maintaining good oral health. The benefits of flossing are as follows:
Dental floss eliminates plaque and food particles from areas where they commonly accumulate, such as between teeth and below the gumline. By doing so, it prevents the accumulation of bacteria, which is a leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Plaque buildup is common in hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth and below the gumline. This plaque can quickly turn into tarter (hardened-plaque) within 48 hours, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and only dentist can remove it. Tarter buildup allows for more plaque accumulation, leading to gum disease and potentially tooth loss. Regular flossing can prevent tarter buildup, which is a common cause of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Dental floss also promotes fresh breath by removing any trapped food particles between teeth which cause bad odor. It’s an affordable way to maintain good oral hygiene without having to spend too much on expensive treatments later on.
In summary, regular use of dental floss provides numerous advantages over just brushing alone including prevention against gum diseases, fresher breath and healthier teeth overall.
How to Use Dental Floss
Although dental flossing may require dexterity and can be tedious or uncomfortable initially, it become simple and effortless with consistent practice. Flossing should be done at least once a day after brushing, preferably after dinner and before going to bed. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take 12-18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and forefinger.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth and avoid snapping it into your gums.
- When the floss reaches the gum-line, gently slide it along the tooth surface into the space between the gum and the tooth.
- Gently rub the tooth surface at each level by moving the floss back-and-forth motion to disrupt the sticky plaque.
- Tightly slide the floss along the tooth surface to remove the plaque away from the gums but never into the gums. Repeat the procedure on the rest of your proximal surfaces of your all teeth.
- Use a new section of clean floss for each tooth so that you are not transferring bacteria from one area to another in your mouth.
- Make sure you pay attention to any areas where food often gets stuck or where you feel discomfort.
Remember: consistency is key when it comes to oral hygiene! Flossing once per day after brushing will help prevent gum disease and cavities over time.
Different Types of Dental Floss
There are several types of dental floss available on the market. Knowing which type is best for you can be a bit overwhelming at first, so here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Nylon floss: This is the most common type of dental floss and is made from nylon filaments. It comes in both waxed and unwaxed varieties.
- Waxed or Unwaxed Floss: Waxed floss is coated in wax to make it easier to slide between teeth and reduce friction while unwaxed floss doesn’t have any coating. It all depends on personal preference; some people prefer the smoothness of waxed while others find that unwaxed gets the job done just as well.
- Flavored dental floss: This type of floss has added flavoring like mint or cinnamon that can help freshen breath as you clean your teeth. However, if you have sensitive gums or allergies, it’s best to stick with plain unflavored varieties.
- PTFE floss: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) floss is a high-tech, non-stick floss that slides easily between teeth. It is more expensive than nylon floss, but some people prefer it for its smoothness.
- Dental tape: Dental tape is broader and flatter than traditional floss. It’s ideal for people with more space between their teeth or those with sensitive gums.
- Super floss: Super floss is a special type of floss that has a stiff end for threading through tight spaces and a spongy section for cleaning around braces, bridges, and implants.
In summary, no matter what type of dental floss you choose, incorporating regular daily oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing will ensure healthy gums & teeth in the long run!
Dental floss
Dental super floss
Dental tape floss
Different Types of Flossing Tools
There are several types of tools available on the market that can make dental flossing easier and more effective, especially in certain situations. These tools include:
Flossing threader: A dental floss threader is a thin, flexible needle that can help you pass floss through tight spaces, around fixed prostheses, implants, and behind braces and wires. How to use it: take a piece of your preferred floss and insert one end of it inside the threader loop. Pass the floss below any dental appliance. Remove the threader from the floss and floss as usual.
Dental floss threader
Floss picks: Floss picks are small plastic tools with a short handle and a piece of floss stretched across two prongs. They’re designed to be held with one hand and used to floss between teeth. Floss picks are often used for on-the-go flossing or for people who have difficulty using traditional floss.
Dental floss ortho picks
Biodegradable floss picks
Floss holder: Floss holders are longer and more slender tools that have a small clamp or holder at one end to grip the floss. It is a device that makes flossing easier to clean hard-to-reach areas. They are often used by people with neuromuscular problems who have difficulty reaching certain areas of their mouth or who have limited dexterity. It also builds confidence, especially in beginners, and makes flossing more interesting. It also helps caregivers who need to floss others’ teeth. Floss holders can either be threaded each time and used repeatedly, or they can be pre-threaded disposable floss holders.
Dental floss with holder and replaceable head
Dental Floss Alternatives
While dental floss remains the gold standard for interdental cleaning, there are plenty of alternatives available for those who struggle with traditional flossing methods. It’s important to find what works best for you so that you can maintain optimal oral health!
Water and Air flossers
For those who struggle with traditional string-like flossing methods, there are alternatives like water and air-flossers available too! These devices use high-pressure water or air streams to clean between teeth and below the gumline effectively without requiring manual dexterity. They’re a good option for people who have trouble using traditional floss or who have braces, implants, or other dental appliances.
Water or air flossers are helpful in removing food particles, bacteria, and some loose plaque. However, it is important to note that water flossers are not as effective as traditional floss for removing firm plaque. This is because the stream of water or air cannot scrape and dislodge firm plaque in the same way that flossing can.
That being said, water and air flossers can still be a valuable tool in an oral hygiene routine, particularly for people who have difficulty using traditional floss or who have dental appliances, such as braces or bridges, that make flossing more challenging.
Water flosser
Cordless water flosser
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small brushes with bristles that fit between teeth to remove food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas. They come in various sizes and can be reused after cleaning. However, they should only be used after consulting with your dentist to ensure the proper size and type is selected for individual interdental spaces. Using wrong size or type of interdental brush can lead to abrasion of teeth and damage or recession of gums.
When used correctly, interdental brushes can be a valuable tool in an oral hygiene routine, but they should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing, which are still essential for maintaining good oral health.
Interdental brush with bendable neck
Interdental brush with flexible tip
Interdental brushes (End-tuft)
Tooth-Picks
Toothpicks are usually made of wood or silicone and can be used to remove larger food particles between teeth. However, they are not as effective as traditional floss for removing interdental plaque, and should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. Overuse or improper use of toothpicks can damage gums and teeth, so they should be used carefully and in moderation.
Conclusion
Flossing is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. However, it should not be seen as a substitute for brushing. Both brushing and flossing are actually brothers in arm who work together to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral hygiene issues. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine with the correct tools and techniques can make the process easier and more effective. Although flossing may feel uncomfortable at first, consistency and persistence are key to making flossing a habit. Staring early and consistently practicing good oral hygiene habits is crucial for long term oral health.
FAQs
Q: Is flossing really necessary?
A: Yes! While brushing is important for removing plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, flossing is necessary for removing plaque from the spaces between your teeth and along your gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping flossing can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Q: How often should I floss?
A: You should floss at least once a day, ideally before bed. This helps to remove any food particles or plaque that has accumulated throughout the day.
Q: What kind of floss should I use?
A: The type of floss you use is less important than how you use it. Choose a floss that feels comfortable to you, whether it’s waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored. You can also try different flossing tools, like floss threaders, super floss, floss picks, or floss holders, to make flossing easier.
Q: Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I floss?
A: It’s common for your gums to bleed a little when you first start flossing, especially if you haven’t flossed in a while. This is a sign that your gums are inflamed or irritated, but with regular flossing, your gums should become healthier and bleed less.
Q: Can flossing damage my teeth or gums?
A: Flossing shouldn’t cause any damage to your teeth or gums if done properly. However, if you floss too aggressively or use a sawing motion, you could abrade your teeth or recede your gums. Always be gentle and take your time when flossing.
Q: Can flossing help prevent bad breath?
A: Yes! Flossing can help remove any food particles or plaque that may be causing bad breath. It’s important to floss regularly in addition to brushing for fresh breath.
Q: Do I need to floss if I have braces or other dental appliances?
A: Yes! In fact, flossing is even more important if you have braces, as food particles can easily get trapped between your braces and your teeth. Floss threaders, super floss, or other flossing tools can help make flossing easier with braces or other appliances.
Q: Is flossing really worth the effort?
A: Absolutely! Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. While it may take some time to get used to, making flossing a daily habit can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.