Only a small percentage of patients use dental floss in their daily routine. This is often justified with phrases like: inconvenient, can hurt the gums, the floss may break, or simply being too lazy. So, what is dental floss for, and is it really that important? Let’s find out.
Floss is an effective means of preventing conditions such as cavities and periodontitis. Using dental floss helps remove food particles and plaque, which cannot be achieved with a toothbrush alone. In addition, floss prevents the formation of tartar in the interdental spaces.
Types of floss:
- Oral-B Essential Floss – an ideal tool for first-time use. The waxed thread provides better glide.
- Super Floss – a 3-in-1 floss, the best dental floss for braces, bridges, implants, and large gaps between teeth. Its stiffened ends allow easy insertion around braces and bridges, while the fluffy section gently cleans around dental structures.
- Oral-B Satin – mint satin floss provides a long-lasting fresh feeling and guarantees excellent results. It visually resembles a ribbon and has a wider cleaning surface.
- Floss Picks – not intended for daily use. It is difficult to control their path between the teeth.
How to properly use dental floss:
There is a technique for using it. It is simple. If used correctly, it won’t cause injury and will be very effective!
- Take a piece of floss about 45 cm long.
- Wrap most of the floss around the index fingers of both hands, leaving a 5 cm gap between the fingers.
- Hold the floss tightly with your thumbs and index fingers.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth and move it up and down, pressing it against the tooth.
- When you reach the gum line, form a C-shaped curve around the tooth, continuing to press the floss against the tooth surface.
- Now move the floss in the opposite direction from the gum.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Shift the floss on your fingers by 2 cm—unwind one turn from one finger and wind it onto the other.
- Clean each tooth on both the outer and inner surfaces.
While flossing, hold the floss firmly, but make sure the movements are gentle to avoid injuring the gums.
If you have any doubts about your flossing technique, consult your dentist. Our doctors will explain and demonstrate how to properly clean the spaces between your teeth with floss.
