Dental floss is a thin, flexible strand used to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, where a toothbrush typically can’t reach. It is an essential tool for maintaining oral hygiene, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Dental floss comes in various forms, such as waxed, un-waxed, flavoured, and in different materials like nylon or Teflon. Regular flossing, alongside brushing and rinsing, is recommended for a complete oral care routine.
Types of Dental Floss
Sure! Here’s more detailed information about dental floss:
- Waxed Floss: Coated with a light layer of wax, this type of floss slides easily between tight teeth and is less likely to fray.
- Un- Waxed Floss: Made of thin nylon filaments twisted together, un-waxed floss fits into smaller spaces but can be prone to breaking.
- FETE Floss: Made from polyethylene, it slides easily between teeth and is very resistant to shredding.
- Flavoured Floss: Often waxed, this floss can come with flavours like mint to provide a fresher feel.
- Dental Tape: Broader and flatter than regular floss, it’s designed for people with wider gaps between their teeth.
Benefits of Flossing
- Plaque Removal: Flossing removes plaque from between teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Regular flossing helps prevent gingivitis and more serious gum diseases like periodontists.
- Reduces Bad Breath: Removing trapped food particles and plaque reduces bacteria in the mouth, leading to fresher breath.
- Cavity Prevention: By cleaning the areas between teeth, flossing helps prevent cavities from forming in these hard-to-reach spots.
How to Floss Properly
- Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand.
- Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between your teeth.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth. Slide it up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line.
- Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Alternative Flossing Tools
- Floss Picks: Small plastic tools with a piece of floss stretched between two prongs, making it easier to floss, especially for those with limited dexterity.
- Water Flosses: Devices that use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gum line.
- Inter dental Brushes: Tiny brushes designed to clean between teeth, especially useful for people with braces or wider gaps.
Tips for Effective Flossing
- Floss at least once a day.
- Be gentle to avoid injuring your gums.
- Don’t forget the back of your last molars.
- Consider using a mirror to ensure you’re flossing each tooth properly.
Regular flossing, combined with brushing and routine dental check-ups, is key to maintaining good oral health.
