back Flosses
and picks
Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulate on
teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to
gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your
teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your
teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but
floss is the best choice.
Should
I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in
between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss
is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important
than the toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing
or brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly.
When you visit your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.
Which
type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored,
wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for people
with a lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the spaces
between teeth are wide.
They all clean and remove plaque about the same. Waxed
floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations.
However, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let you know your
teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular
unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.
How
should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method.
The spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch
piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle
finger. (Don't cut off your finger's circulation!) Wind the rest of the
floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger
takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss
between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Don't pull it down hard
against your gums or you will hurt them. Don't rub it side to side as
if you're shining shoes. Bring the floss up and down several times forming
a "C" shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum line.
The loop method is suited for children or adults with
less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18inch
piece of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots.
Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your
index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your
thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gumline
forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.
How
often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least
two or three minutes. back
