How To Floss Properly
By Dr. Dennis Simmons
Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral health.
Brushing your teeth only cleans 3 of the 5 visible surfaces on
the tooth (the top, the front, and the back). Flossing takes
care of the sides of the teeth which account for about 40% of
the tooth’s total surface. You don’t want to be cleaning your
teeth with only a 60% effort do you?
Flossing is also important in the prevention of periodontal
disease. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that are left
un-touched and un-cleaned for an extended period of time. That
bacterium slowly makes its way into the teeth, gums and can
actually spread to other parts of the body. Researchers have
found that periodontal disease can most frequently be traced to
bacteria that form in between the teeth.
Some individuals may have trouble flossing. Children especially
have a difficult time learning how to floss properly. Parents
may need to help their children to floss or floss for them until
the children are old enough to do it for themselves. The key is
to be patient. It is not uncommon for it to take up to two weeks
of trying before you are able to floss successfully. There are a
number of valuable questions that are frequently asked when it
comes to proper brushing. Below you will find some of these
common questions and answers.
Q: What is the proper way to floss?
A: The proper way to floss is to take the floss and slowly
maneuver it in between your teeth. Once you have gotten the
floss to the gum line, carefully move it back and forth as you
slide it up the tooth. Repeat this process with the next gap in
the teeth. When you floss you need not worry about cleaning the
gums themselves, using the above method is sufficient.
Q: What if there are areas of my mouth that I just can’t fit
the floss down into?
A: Many people have teeth that are either really closely
situated to each other or are awkwardly spaced. The best way to
solve this problem is to talk to your dentist or dental
hygienist at your next appointment. There are tools that you can
use to make getting into difficult spaces easier. There are
floss holders and threading tools that make difficult to floss
areas more manageable.
Q: What kind of floss should I use?
A: There are many floss options available. There are flosses
that are flavored, waxed, un-waxed, flat, round string, ribbon,
textured, spongy, fluoridated, etc. One brand or type of floss
does not provide hygiene benefits over another type of floss. It
is all about finding floss that works for you. Those who have
wider gaps in their teeth may prefer thicker floss. Conversely
those with closely spaced teeth may prefer waxed ribbon floss.
The point is to floss.
Q: I bleed when I floss, is that normal?
A: Often times bleeding is a sign of infection or irritation.
If you are just beginning to floss after not having done so for
a while it is likely that you will have some minor bleeding. As
you continue to floss and as your gums and teeth are cleaned
from the bacteria that were causing them to be weakened, your
bleeding should stop. If you are flossing too vigorously you may
also experience bleeding. Remember that you do not have to focus
on rubbing the floss on your gums, this is not necessary. If you
experience heavy or persistent bleeding, you should contact your
dentist or other medical professional.
Q: How many times a day do I need to floss?
A: Unlike tooth brushing, you need only floss once a day. Of
course it is a good idea to floss more frequently after eating
foods that can become stuck in between your teeth (such as corn
on the cob or sticky candy). Flossing before going to bed is
generally sufficient for most people to keep bacteria from
forming between the teeth.
About the Author: Dr. Dennis Simmons, DDS, is a leading dentist
in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Dr. Simmons specializes in Smile
Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for
more information on Dr. Simmons and the Twin Cities Dental Cente
http://www.twincitiessmilecenter.com or call (952) 891-8484.
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