
Though most individuals agree they should floss once daily, not everyone understands why. While brushing alone cannot prevent gum disease and tooth decay, it effectively eliminates plaque from tooth surfaces. Think about the areas between your teeth and under the gum line; with a good flossing schedule, you can eliminate leftover food particles and plaque from the areas a toothbrush cannot readily reach. Generally speaking, Show Low dentist advise you to floss at least once daily.
Types of Dental Floss
- Nylon (Multifilament) Floss
This floss type spins together many nylon threads. It is very helpful in confined areas and comes in several flavors.
- PTFE (Monofilament) Floss
This floss, made from a single strand of PTFE, slides readily between teeth for people with tight teeth or braces.
- Dental Tape
Dental tape is better for those with more room between their teeth than conventional floss in width and flatter form.
- Choosing Based on Personal Preference
Whether waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, selecting dental floss you like will help you be more likely to floss consistently.
Step 1: Break off an 18-inch Strand
Start by separating an eighteen-inch floss strand. This length lets a fresh part be utilized between every pair of teeth without reinserting microorganisms.
Step 2: Wind the Floss
Wrap the floss mostly around one of your middle fingers and a small piece around the other middle finger. This finger will gather the thrown-off floss.
Step 3: Grip and Glide
Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving around one to two inches of floss to work with.
Step 4: Slide Between Teeth
Using a back-and-forth action, gently move the floss between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, as this might aggravate the gums.
Step 5: Form a C Shape
Forming a C shape, curve the floss around the base of every tooth. This lets the floss get below the gum line, where plaque usually gathers.
Step 6: Glide Up and Down
Working your floss up and down, ensure it hugs every tooth’s surface. For every tooth, follow this procedure using a fresh section of floss for each gap.
Step 7: Don’t Forget the Back
Add the rear of your last molars; they are sometimes missed. Use a new section of floss for this spot.
Should I floss before or after brushing my teeth?
It makes no difference when you floss—as long as you do it thoroughly. Developing flossing as a daily practice is absolutely vital. Select a time of day when you could offer your teeth some extra care. If you find yourself overly exhausted at night, try flossing in the morning or after lunch.
Remember that cleaning between your teeth should not hurt. If you floss too aggressively, you could harm the tissue separating your teeth. Simultaneously, excessively moderate treatment could leave food or plaque behind. Although flossing causes some discomfort, with repetition, you will learn how much pressure is ideal. See your dentist if cleaning between your teeth still hurts.
Do kids need to floss?
When your child has two teeth that contact, flossing should be included in their oral hygiene regimen. Adults will initially have to handle this stage. Usually, when their hands are ready to wield floss or other cleaning instruments, children take over at about age 10 or 11.
Conclusion
Many people wonder how often they ought to floss. Although most hygienists or dentists will advise once a day, the crucial thing is to develop a consistent flossing habit since it greatly helps to maximize gingival health and avoid oral illness. If you have any queries regarding the aforementioned procedures or the appropriate type of floss for you, we advise consulting your dental hygienist or dentist, who would be pleased to assist.