A GUIDE TO FLOSSING YOUR TEETH

flossing teeth

A GUIDE TO FLOSSING YOUR TEETH

A cord of thin filaments which is used to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth in areas that the toothbrush is unable to get to is referred to as dental floss or tooth floss. Since the build-up of plaque between the teeth is the major cause of dental disease which include gingivitis and dental caries , the use of floss is widely recommended so as to prevent these conditions from coming up.

Even though a number of interdental cleaning aids are widely availanle, dental floss has been able to receive the most attention, despite the fact that it can be challenging to use because it requires a high level of dexterity, thereby resulting in less use. Flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove  the sticky bacteria, or plaque on your teeth.

Plaque produces acid, which can lead to cavities, irritate the gums, and cause gum disease. Each tooth has five surfaces and if you don’t floss, you leave at least two of the surfaces unclean. Dental floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between your teeth and remove the bacteria. Everybody is aware that we should floss at least once a day, but not all of us know the right method to do it. In case you are one of those who do not know how to use the floss, follow this step-by-step guide to find out how to properly floss your teeth:

Break off about 16 to18 inches of floss and curl most of it around one of your middle fingers.

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Curl the remaining floss around the same finger of your opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.

Hold the dental floss tightly in-between your thumbs and forefingers.

Using a gentle rubbing motion, slide the floss between your teeth. Make sure you do not snap the floss into the gums.

When the dental floss has reached the gum line, curve it into a C shape against a tooth. Now, gently slide it into the space between the tooth and the gum.

Now hold the floss frimly against the tooth. Rub the side of the tooth in a gentle manner, moving the floss away from the gum using up and down motions.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and make sure you do not forget the back side of your last tooth.

Once you’re through with the flossing, throw the floss away. A piece of floss that has already been used won’t be as effective and will possibly leave bacteria behind in your mouth.

When you are flossing, make sure you stick to a regular pattern. Start flossing at the top and work from the left to the right, then move to the bottom and work from the left to right again. With this method you’re less likely to miss any teeth.

When you first start your dental flossing, your gums may be tender and bleed a little. Continue flossing your teeth as directed by your dentist and the bleeding would stop as your gums become healthier.

However if you’re still getting regular bleeding after a few days, see your dentist. He or she can check if you’re flossing correctly. If you do not have the hand dexterity to floss, use soft wooden plaque removers, it looks similar to toothpicks. You can also try a two-pronged plastic floss holder. Both will allow you to clean between teeth with only one hand.

It is important that you talk to your dentist about the types of oral care products that will be most effective for you. Look for products that you know have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

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