The importance of dental floss

As much as 40% of the tooth surface is not accessible to your toothbrush, which means that you could be leaving large parts of your mouth exposed to bacteria. The best solution to this issue is to add interdental cleaning into your daily routine.

Dental floss has proven to be very useful when it comes to oral hygiene. Dental floss helps people stay safe from gum disease by removing leftovers and plaque stuck between teeth.

Plaque is a very sticky substance that consists of different kinds of bacteria and if it accumulates, the bacteria can cause irritations and lead to inflammation, so flossing is a good way of limiting this problem.

What is dental floss?

Dental floss consists of a very thin and soft thread that is made from plastic or nylon. Its primary goal is to remove food leftovers and plaque. Alternatively, floss can be replaced with dental tape because some people find it simpler to use.

Floss harps are also popular with those who might struggle to manoeuvre dental floss. If you have a small mouth, for example, you might struggle to get floss between your teeth. A floss harp will make it easier to reach between the teeth at the rear of your mouth.

Water flossers are also available. These are electrical devices that shoot a concentrated stream of warm water. This can be helpful for cleaning along the gum line and removing debris from between your teeth. These are helpful for those with limited mobility and those who struggle to use dental floss.

Should I floss before or after I brush?

This is really a matter of preference. Some people like to floss before the brush, as they can then brush away any debris. Others like to floss after they brush, as this will allow the toothpaste to get between the gum line where it can help to protect the teeth.

You can even spread a small amount of toothpaste on your dental floss before flossing, and this will enable you to effectively clean your teeth and enjoy fresh breath.

How to use dental floss

If you use dental floss in the wrong way, you can potentially damage the gums so you must be sure that you are using this product in the right way. First of all, cut some dental floss (18’’/45 cm) and wind each end to the middle fingers.

Hold the dental floss with the forefinger and thumb until you get a straight line that’s about 2’’/5 cm long. Next, put the floss between teeth and slowly go up and down right under the gum line.

Once it touches the gum line, curve the dental floss and get a C-shape against one of the teeth and feel the pressure. Keep holding the dental floss against that tooth and slowly scrape it, staying away from the gum line.

Do the same for the next gap between your teeth. You should use dental floss between each tooth, right to the back of your mouth. When you are done, rinse with water or mouthwash to get rid of any debris that may have been dislodged from between your teeth.

What if I have never flossed before?

If you’re new to flossing, it can take some getting used to. Starting to floss at any time is better than never flossing. You might notice that your gums are a little tender and red after flossing. Your gums might even bleed the first time you floss.

As your gums get used to the sensation of being cleaned close to the gum line, the tenderness should subside and the bleeding will eventually stop. If your gums are sore after flossing, avoid using mouthwash that contains any alcohol, as this can be incredibly uncomfortable.

Does flossing hurt?

Flossing should not hurt, so make sure you stop if you are inflicting pain on yourself. If you are not in the habit of flossing, you might find that it causes your gums to bleed. This is nothing to worry about, and it is a sign that you really need to be flossing.

If this bleeding continues, it is highly recommended to visit a dentist. They can advise you on your flossing technique and also check for underlying health issues that could be making the bleeding more intense.

Exploring more interdental tools

If you can’t get used to using dental floss, you can also try using an interdental brush or dental floss holder, both of which are very effective. Interdental brushes are highly effective for cleaning larger gaps.

As we get older, the gums start to recede naturally and this can lead to larger gaps between your teeth, close to the gum line. These gaps can gather food debris and allow bacteria to thrive, so it’s a good idea to make sure you are cleaning this area well.

Interdental brushes are available in different sizes. You can visit the dental hygienist for more advice on how to add interdental brushes into your daily routine.

Looking for more dental hygiene advice?

A visit to the dental hygienist is a great place to start. We can advise you on the best methods for caring for your teeth and how to use tools effectively. We can also help you to avoid spending money on tools that won’t be helpful for you.

For more advice about flossing and dental hygiene, please contact us now.