Dental Floss - The importance of Flossing
Although brushing removes plaque from some tooth surfaces, only flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline. Tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas where a toothbrush can't reach.
Some practice is needed to become adept at flossing, so don't become discouraged if you find it difficult at first. After you become proficient, flossing takes only a few minutes and doesn't even require a mirror. Here's how to begin:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.
- Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes soiled.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them. There should be no slack. Using a gentle, sawing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. Never snap the floss into the gums.
- When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.
- Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently scrape the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gums.
- Without removing the floss, curve it around the other tooth and scrape it, too. Scrape floss downward on the upper teeth, and upward on the bottom teeth.
- Repeat this method on the remaining teeth. Don't forget the back of your last tooth.
- If you don't have good finger dexterity you may find it helpful to use a commercial flossholder. Ask your dentist or dental hy-gienist about which type to use.
Children may find it easier to use a loop of floss. Take a 12-inch piece of floss and tie the ends together to form a circle. Hold the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers and proceed as described earlier. Most children can't floss their teeth until about age 8 or 9. Even then, flossing should be supervised.
When flossing, think of your mouth in four sections. Floss half of the upper teeth, then floss the other half. Do the same for the lower teeth. Establish a pattern and regular time for flossing so that you don't miss any of your teeth.
Your gums may be sore or bleed for the first 5 or 6 days you floss. As the plaque is broken up and the bacteria are removed, your gums will heal and the bleeding will stop. If bleeding continues, consult your dentist. Improper flossing can injure your gums, remember to be gentle when inserting floss between your teeth and under the gumline.
After you've finished brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to remove loosened plaque and debris. Although swishing water around your mouth after eating will not remove plaque and is no substitute for brushing and flossing, it will help remove bits of food on which plaque bacteria may feed.
