Dental floss is one of the most effective tools for cleaning food particles or plaque stuck between your teeth. Before it becomes hard plaque, it requires a visit to the dentist to get rid of tartar. Flossing properly, regularly, every day can help reduce the risk of tooth decay or other dental disease.
Today’s commercially available dental floss is available in a wide variety of forms such as wax-coated, without wax, flavored-type, and tape type dental flosses. Each model has the following characteristics.
Wax-coated and non-waxed dental floss are the same as effective oral cleaners. But wax-coated dental floss may be slippery or easier to scrub or rub between teeth.
Scented dental floss, such as mint, may give you a fresh feeling inside your mouth.
Tape type dental floss It is wider than other types of dental floss.
When choosing dental floss, choose one that has small, flattened threads that can spread through between the teeth. For those who have never used dental floss may choose to use a wax coated dental floss for ease of use. Eventually, you may choose to use a non-waxed dental floss because it is sharper and able to remove plaque better. It is better to consult your dentist to choose the right dental floss for each person.
Correct flossing can improve oral hygiene efficiency and reduce the risk of gum and tooth disease when the following guidelines are p
Pull about 45 centimeters of dental floss and wrap it over the ends of both middle fingers, leaving about a few centimeters of the length of the floss wrapped between your fingers.
Insert dental floss into between teeth and gums. Using your thumb and forefinger, control the scrubbing on up and down directions. This should be done with caution as it may bleed if the floss is applied too deep in the gums.
The floss should be discarded after use and not be reused because the effectiveness of dental floss will decrease and there may be bacterial residues from past use.
The correct use of dental floss It will improve the efficiency of cleaning the oral cavity. The Dental Association of the United States (ADA) recommends that flossing can be performed either before or after brushing. With good results not different However, most dentists recommend brushing your teeth before flossing once a day, especially at bedtime.
For children with 2 teeth growing in a row, dental floss can be flossed under parental guidance until being able to use dental floss fluently or aged 10-11 years or more
In the early stages of flossing, it can be uncomfortable or painful. But the pain will subside 1-2 weeks after flossing if the pain does not improve.
If the floss is used too harshly, it will adversely affect the tissues around the tooth. And if the teeth are polished too light, food particles may still be stuck in between the teeth.
Accessibility to eliminate food particles stuck between the gums and teeth especially whenever brushing is inaccessible. This is one of the reasons that may cause bad breath, plaque build-up, cavities, gum disease, including periodontitis, which causes chronic gingivitis, swollen gums, and irritated gums.
Prevents gum disease especially those who brush their teeth and floss regularly. There will be less chance of gum bleeding and inflammation than those without flossing.
In the early stages of flossing, pain and bleeding may occur. If the floss is too deep in the gums, it can also cause bleeding. Flossing may be difficult in some cases especially in those who have too many interdental teeth.
Healthy gums will stop the bleeding faster. If there is still bleeding a few days after flossing, see your dentist to check and learn the correct method of flossing.
