Facts on
Flossing
Flosses and picks
Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on
teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum
disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth
carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth.
Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is
the best choice. Should I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between
teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss is the single
most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the
toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing or brushing and
many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When you visit your
dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.
Which type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored,
wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for people with a
lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the spaces between teeth
are wide.
They all clean and remove plaque about the same. Waxed floss might be
easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations. However, the unwaxed
floss makes a squeaking sound to let you know your teeth are clean. Bonded
unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but does tear
more than waxed floss.
How should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method. The spool
method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch piece of
floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don't
cut off your finger's circulation!) Wind the rest of the floss similarly around
the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it
becomes soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index
fingers and thumbs. Don't pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt
them. Don't rub it side to side as if you're shining shoes. Bring the floss up
and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth being
sure to go below the gum line.
The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble hands,
poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece of floss and
make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the
fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the
floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through
the upper teeth, going below the gumline forming a "C" on the side of
the tooth.
How often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or
three minutes.
What about floss holders?
You may prefer a prethreaded flosser or floss holder, which often looks like a
little hacksaw. Flossers are handy for people with limited dexterity, for those
who are just beginning to floss, or for caretakers who are flossing someone
else's teeth.
Is it safe to use toothpicks?
In a pinch, toothpicks are effective at removing food between teeth, but for
daily cleaning of plaque between teeth, floss is recommended. Toothpicks come
round and flat, narrow and thick. When you use a toothpick, don't press too
hard as you can break off the end and lodge it in your gums.
Do I need a waterpick (irrigating device)?
Don't use waterpicks as a substitute for toothbrushing and flossing. But they
are effective around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush
cannot reach. However, they do not remove plaque.
Waterpicks are frequently recommended for persons with gum disease when
recommended by your dentist. Solutions containing antibacterial agents like
chlorhexidine or tetracycline, available through a dentist's prescription, can
be added to the reservoir.
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