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Facts On Flossing |
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Flosses and picks
 | Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that
accumulate 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 clean the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss
cleans in between them. Some people use waterpicks, but floss is
the best choice. |
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| Should I floss?
| Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to 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 to
floss or brush properly. When you visit your dentist or
hygienist, ask to be shown. |
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| Which type of floss should I use?
| Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed or unwaxed, flavored
and unflavored, wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape,
may be helpful for people with a lot bridgework. Tapes are
usually recommended when the space between the teeth are
wide. |
| They all clean and remove plaque 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. |
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| 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 the
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 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. |
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| How often should I floss?
| At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend
at least two or three minutes. |
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| What are 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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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