Guide to Great (Dental) Flossing
Flossing your teeth is an important oral hygiene habit. Using floss helps to clean and dislodge food stuck between your teeth, which reduces the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Many people brush their teeth daily, however not everyone is as diligent about flossing regularly.
According to a national poll, about 4 in 10 Americans floss their teeth at least once a day, and 20 percent of Americans never floss at all. Flossing once-a-day or more will help preserve the health and life of your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day, flossing can help you keep your smile beautiful for years to come.
Learning to floss correctly is important because improper flossing can potentially damage your teeth and gums. So, if you are unsure about the right way to clean in between your teeth, here is a step-by-step guide on the best way to floss.
Choose Your Dental Floss - Different Types of Dental Floss
The first step in learning how to floss properly is to choose your instruments. There are several options for choosing the appropriate dental floss including dental appliances, limited mobility, or other factors.
String Dental Floss
String dental floss is the most common and traditional product. Most people are familiar with this type of dental floss. There are different varieties of string floss, including waxed or unwaxed. Both types of floss are effective so feel free to choose the one that is most comfortable for you.
Dental tape
Dental tape is very similar to floss but it is broader and flatter than dental floss. Choosing between dental floss and tape depends on which is more effective for cleaning between your teeth and which is easier to use. Dental tape is recommended for people who have wider-than-average gaps between their teeth.
Picks
A dental floss pick is a small plastic tool with a curved end that holds dental floss and a small plastic pick on the other end. The pick can be used to remove food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, similar to a toothpick. Floss picks can be easier to grip and maneuver between teeth than traditional floss, making them a convenient option for people who are on the go or have mobility issues.
Threaders
A floss threader is a rigid, yet flexible piece of plastic used to assist in passing dental floss around fixed bridgework and behind orthodontic wires and under denture retainer bars. Floss threaders resemble large 'needles,' and are incredibly effective in passing dental floss between teeth that are connected.
Interdental brushes
“Interdental” means between the teeth. An interdental brush is designed to help you clean the sides of your teeth and between your teeth no matter how tight or wide the space. The bristles on an interdental brush are held on by wire and shaped somewhat like those on a mascara wand.
Water flossers
A water flosser is a device that aims a stream of water at the teeth. It's also called an oral irrigator or a dental water jet. A water flosser can help remove food particles between teeth. It also can remove plaque from teeth.
Proper Flossing Technique
If using string dental floss, start with approximately 18 inches of floss, then coil it around your two index fingers. Wrapping the floss around your index fingers will give you more control over where you are flossing. Using a sufficient amount of floss allows you to floss all of your teeth in one sitting.
Hold the floss between your thumb and index fingers. Pinch the string on each hand with your forefinger and thumb for control and adjust the length of floss as needed. Your thumbs help to floss your upper teeth while your index fingers target your bottom teeth.
Insert the floss or tape into the space between two of your teeth. Think of it as gently rubbing the floss between the gums and the teeth. Once you feel the floss on your gums, move in a “C” motion and slide it up and down along your teeth. The “C” motion helps to scrape off plaque and debris.
Floss in between each tooth. Floss between each tooth one at a time gently and make sure to scoop under the gum line where the bacteria resides. If you need new floss, unravel more from what you have wrapped on your index fingers. You should use a new area of floss for each tooth.
Floss your rear molars. The most common area where gum disease and tooth decay begin are near the back teeth. Although it can be more difficult to floss your rear molars, it is still essential to do so. Slide the floss in between your posterior teeth and gently move it toward you.
Rinse with water or mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth prevents any stray particles from staying in your mouth once you are finished cleaning.
Be Consistent to Reap the Benefits
The flossing product that you choose is not as important as the act of using it. Brushing typically only cleans about 60 percent of your tooth’s surface area. Flossing effectively reaches the remaining spaces in between your teeth that the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach.
Most people floss after brushing their teeth. However, recent studies have shown that flossing before you brush may be more effective. The floss can remove debris from your teeth allowing the fluoride from the toothpaste to more easily reach areas of your tooth and to work more effectively.
Flossing once a day helps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and reduces your risk of gum disease and dental decay. If you have questions about proper flossing or oral hygiene, consult our dentists, Drs. Samantha and James Tejada, at WoodSprings Dentistry. Our family-owned dental clinic serves The Woodlands, TX and Spring, TX with comprehensive family and cosmetic dentistry so that every member of your family can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. Book your appointment today.