Using dental floss is often underestimated, though its benefits are incomparable. Brushing teeth is definitely a must, but we should comprehend the need for dental floss and how to use it properly. After we eat or drink, the particles get stuck in areas that we cannot notice in our eyes. To avoid the bacteria buildup, plaque, tartar and possible gum disease we need to make sure all those food particles are removed smoothly. Let’s discover how dental floss makes a difference in our oral health and how to use it!
Although often overlooked, we do need to use dental floss as well as regular brushing. Brushing removes the plaque and particles on the surface of the teeth but it cannot always reach the areas between your teeth where the bacteria can accumulate. These places are known as interdental spaces and they are fragile against plaque buildup. This can result in cavities, gum disease or bad breath if not properly cleaned.
To reach the plaque and food particles from interdental areas, we should use a dental flosser at least once a day. Tartar can only be cleaned by a dentist and if it is not cleaned it can lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can be characterized as red, swollen and bleeding gums. Dental floss is also necessary to reduce the risk of decay between the teeth. Cavities typically start in interdental spaces where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach. So, flossing is necessary to reach the optimal oral health.
To decide the best dental floss for your case, you should know about the different types of dental floss. Waxed dental floss is covered with a layer of wax and this makes it easier to slide between tight teeth. It is also durable and tends to break less. Unwaxed floss, on the other hand, is thinner and can be more suitable for people with closely spaced teeth. It can break more easily than waxed ones. Dental tape is much broader and flatter than other options which makes it a feasible choice for people with wider gaps between their teeth. Also, as it has a larger surface area, it covers more of the toıth while cleaning which makes it more effective. The dental tape has both waxed and unwaxed options.
Super floss is another type of dental flosser and is generally designed for people with braces, bridges or other dental works that make regular flossing challenging. It is especially beneficial for cleaning around braces or dental implants. It comes with a stiff end which makes it easier to navigate the floss under braces wires or around implants. Traditional floss might challenge to maneuver between these tight spaces. Dental floss picks are also a kind of floss. It consists of a small handle with a piece of floss. It is easier to use and navigate than the traditional floss. However, some dentists recommend traditional floss over dental floss picks for more thorough cleaning.
Now that we covered the benefits of dental floss and the types of dental floss, let's get to the main point: how to floss properly to free our teeth from bacteria? Well, here is your guide on how to floss with both traditional floss and dental floss picks.
As the first step, cut the floss about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 61 cm), as this length allows you to use a clean part of the floss between each tooth. Then apply these steps respectively:
Wrap the ends of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) of floss to use. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss.
With a smooth sawing motion, insert the floss between your teeth. Avoid putting pressure on your gums which may cause gum irritation.
When the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Slide it up and down the side of the tooth and just under the gumline. You can remove the plaque with this motion.
Repeat this process for each tooth by using a fresh and clean section of the floss.
As a last step, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to make sure there is no loosened bacteria or food particles.
Hold the floss picks firmly to start cleaning your teeth. Then you can follow the below steps to carefully fight of the bacteria resides in your interdental spaces:
Like a traditional floss, gently navigate the floss between your teeth doing back and forth motion.
Move the floss around each tooth and try to give a "C" shape effect to clean both sides of each tooth. If your dental floss pick has a pointed end, use it to clean any plaque around the gumline.
If you are using a reusable pick, wash it under water to remove any debris before moving to the new tooth. Some of them are disposable so replace them after using them.
Wash your mouth after you are done with your floss.
Oral care is important to properly eat and speak and you should not forget to maintain your routines every day. Although you perform all the routines, your teeth can still be harmed due to trauma, vitamin deficiencies or other underlying health conditions. In these cases, you may require specialized treatments such as dental implants, dental crowns, dental veneers, root canal treatments or bridges among others. These treatments can be costly in most places and dental treatments in Turkey come as a cost-effective and high-quality option for people all over the world. The country offers dental treatments at reasonable prices while the dentists are so much more experienced than their counterparts, treating thousands of people all over the world.
American Dental Hygienists' Association. (2022). A national survey of learning readiness of dental hygienists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 96(3), 8-14.
Londero, Ananda & Reiniger, Ana & Tavares, Rodrigo & Ferreira, Ciandra & Wikesjö, Ulf & Kantorski, Karla & Moreira, Carlos. (2022). Efficacy of dental floss in the management of gingival health: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Oral Investigations.
Terry, Bradley W. DO; Daly, Sarah DO. Does flossing improve oral health?. Evidence-Based Practice 21(8):p 54-55, September 2018. | DOI: 10.1097/01.EBP.0000545093.83906.b9
