Dr. Madhuri (BDS)
Published on - 20 Nov 2023
Flossing, an interdental cleaning method, helps remove debris and interproximal dental plaque, the plaque that collects between two teeth. Dental floss and other interdental cleaners help clean these hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and reduce the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay. Use of an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums according to American Dental Association.
What is its importance?
Beyond having a cleaner mouth, regular flossing emerges as a key player in the quest for lasting fresh breath and holding off periodontal disease. When your gums start to bleed, it might be an early signal of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. If left unaddressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition carrying potential complications like abscesses, infections, and the risk of bone and tooth loss.
Those tricky spaces that dental floss navigates just happen to be the favoured hideouts for the most harmful bacteria, making flossing a critical component of a thorough oral hygiene routine.
Different kinds?
- Traditional Dental Floss: This familiar option is the classic white thread that most of us know. It comes in both waxed and unwaxed versions for your preference.
- Super floss: Tailored for cases involving orthodontic treatment or braces, super floss is designed to navigate these specialized dental needs.
- Water Flosser: Utilizing a jet of water under pressure, a water flosser provides an effective and alternative approach to traditional flossing.
- Air Flosser: Operating with a jet of air under pressure, an air flosser offers another innovative way to clean between your teeth.
Important to choose the right one
Navigating the array of dental floss options available in the market may leave you wondering how to make the right choice. It's important to note that nearly every floss is effective when used with the correct technique. To ensure you're making the right decision, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the floss packaging, providing you with confidence in your choice. Additionally, consider selecting a floss tailored to your specific needs. For instance, if it's for your child, flavoured options might make the flossing experience more enjoyable for them.
Technique - ADA
- Use about 18 inches of floss wound around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the opposite middle finger.
- Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between the teeth.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth.
- Rub the floss gently up and down, keeping it pressed against the tooth. Don’t jerk or snap the floss.
- Floss all your teeth. Don’t forget to floss behind your back teeth
In our busy lives, we all want things done fast, but taking care of our health is super important. Although flossing may initially seem like a time-consuming chore, once it becomes a part of your routine, it's just a brief two-minute task. The bonus? It helps ward off cavities, ultimately saving you money on future dental treatments and keeping your appointments short and sweet. Prioritizing your oral health doesn't have to be a lengthy process – sometimes, it's just a matter of a couple of minutes each day.