How to floss| Dental Floss |Technique| Advantages| Disadvantages

What is floss?

Flossing is the process of using a thin, waxed or unwaxed thread called dental floss to clean between teeth and remove food particles and plaque that can accumulate in those spaces.

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and is recommended by dentists as a way to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When done regularly along with brushing, flossing can help remove bacteria and food debris from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, including the spaces between teeth and under the gumline.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to help maintain good oral health.

Learn to USE DENTAL floss

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and can help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush may not reach.

Steps for learning how to floss:

1. Start by breaking off about 18 inches of floss from the dispenser.

2. Wind most of 18 inches of floss around one of your middle fingers, and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand. This will leave about an inch or two of floss to use.

3. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently move it in between your teeth doing a back-and-forth motion.

4. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth in a C-shape, making sure to go beneath the gum line. Gently slide the floss up and down against the side of each tooth.

5. Gently pull the floss out in a zig-zag motion. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, and remember to floss both sides of each tooth.

6. When you're done, rinse your mouth with saltwater to remove any loosened debris.

7. Discard the used floss by wrapping it around your fingers and throwing it in the trash.

Types of DENTAL Floss

There are several types of floss available in the market, including:

1. Nylon floss: This is the most common type of floss and is made of nylon filaments. Available in waxed and unwaxed forms.

2. PTFE floss: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) floss is made of a special type of plastic that is more resistant to shredding than nylon floss. It is also slicker and slides more easily between teeth.

3. Dental tape: Dental tape is wider and flatter than traditional floss, making it a good option for people with wider spaces between their teeth.

4. Super floss: Super floss is a type of floss that has a stiff end, a spongy middle, and regular floss on the other end. It is designed to clean around dental appliances such as braces or bridges.

5.Water flossers: Water flossers use a stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line. They can be a good alternative to traditional flossing for some people.

These are just a few examples of the types of floss available in the market. It's important to find a type of floss that works well for you and to use it regularly as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.

approximate prices for popular dental floss brands available:

Oral-B Essential Floss (50 meters) - Rs. 60-70
Colgate Dental Floss (25 meters) - Rs. 100-120
Johnson's Reach Dental Floss (55 yards) - Rs. 300-350
Himalaya Dental Floss (50 meters) - Rs. 60-70
Sensodyne Gentle Floss (25 meters) - Rs. 250-300
Aqua white Smart Floss (30 meters) - Rs. 100-120

advantages of flossing

Flossing has several advantages that can help improve oral health.

1. Removes plaque and food debris: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that can get stuck in between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. So, tooth decay and gum disease are prevented.

2. Reduces the risk of gum disease: Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the gum line. Flossing helps to remove these harmful substances, reducing the risk of developing gum disease.

3. Prevents bad breath: Flossing can help to remove bacteria and food particles that can contribute to bad breath.

4. Saves money on dental treatments: By maintaining good oral health through regular flossing, you can reduce the risk of developing dental problems that require expensive treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.

5. Improves overall health: Poor oral health has been linked to several systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Flossing can help improve oral health, which in turn can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

In summary, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health and has several benefits that can help prevent dental problems and improve overall health.

floss or not floss?

It is generally recommended that individuals floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

If you are experiencing discomfort or bleeding while flossing, it is important to speak with a dentis. They can also provide guidance on proper flossing techniques and help you choose the best type of floss for your needs.

disadvantages of flossing

While flossing has many benefits for oral health, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered. Here are a few:

1. Difficulty: Flossing can be difficult for some people, especially those with limited dexterity or mobility in their hands. This can make it challenging to properly clean between teeth and can lead to ineffective cleaning.

2. Pain: Flossing can cause discomfort or pain for some people, especially if they have sensitive gums or dental work that is not properly fitted. This can make it challenging to maintain a consistent flossing routine.

3. Bleeding: Flossing can cause bleeding gums, especially if it has not been done regularly or correctly. This can be a sign of gum disease and should be evaluated by a dentist.

4. Time-consuming: Flossing can be time-consuming, especially if you have many teeth or if you are trying to do a thorough job. This can make it challenging to fit into a busy schedule or may cause some people to skip flossing altogether.

5. Not a substitute for brushing: While flossing is important, it should not be seen as a substitute for brushing. Brushing is still the most effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, and should be done twice a day for optimal oral health.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I floss my teeth?

It is advised to floss at least once a day, most likely before bedtime.

floss before or after brushing my teeth?

It is advised to floss before brushing your teeth. By flossing first, you can ensure that your toothbrush is able to reach all surfaces of your teeth and remove any remaining debris.

How do I floss my teeth properly?

To floss properly, use about 18-20 inches of floss, slide it gently between your teeth and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, moving it beneath the gumline. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and be sure to floss both sides of each tooth and the back teeth.

What type of floss should I use?

There are many different types of floss available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, and different thicknesses. The type of floss you choose may depend on your personal preference and oral health needs. For example, waxed floss may be easier to slide between tightly spaced teeth, while unwaxed floss may be better for teeth with wider gaps. Flavored floss can help make flossing more pleasant, and thicker floss may be better for people with gum recession or larger gaps between teeth.

Can flossing cause my gums to bleed?

It is possible for flossing to cause your gums to bleed, especially if you have inflamed gums due to not flossing regularly or if you are flossing too aggressively. When you first start flossing, it's normal for your gums to bleed a little bit as they get used to the pressure and stimulation. However, if you experience bleeding regularly while flossing, it may be a sign of gum disease or other oral health problems.

Can flossing help prevent cavities?

Yes, flossing can help prevent cavities by removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. By flossing regularly, you can help prevent the buildup of plaque and reduce your risk of developing cavities.

Can flossing help prevent gum disease?

When plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and gums, it can lead to gum disease, a common condition that can cause symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth loss. Flossing helps to disrupt the buildup of plaque and bacteria, reducing the risk of gum disease and promoting healthy gums.

What should I do if I have difficulty flossing?

If you have difficulty flossing, there are a few things you can try:

Use a different type of floss: There are many different types of floss available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, and different thicknesses. Trying a different type of floss may make it easier for you to floss effectively.
Use floss holders or picks: Floss holders or picks can be helpful if you have difficulty reaching certain areas of your mouth or holding the floss.

Try a water flosser: Water flossers use a stream of water to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line. They can be a good alternative to traditional flossing for some people.

Speak with your dentist: Your dentist can evaluate your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for flossing techniques and tools that may work best for you.

It's important to find a flossing technique that works for you and to be consistent with your flossing routine to help maintain good oral health.

Should children floss their teeth?

Yes, children should floss their teeth once a day as soon as two teeth touch each other, typically around the age of two or three. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Is there an age limit to flossing?

No, there is no age limit to flossing. Flossing benefits people of all ages. In fact, as people age, they may become more susceptible to dental problems such as gum disease, so it's especially important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including flossing, as they get older.

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)