07 Aug 3 Secrets To Make Flossing Simpler

Introduction: Dentists opine that flossing is as important as brushing, to thwart gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath. These problems stem from the accumulation of harmful bacteria and plaque that are caused due to trapped food particles between your teeth and gum which cannot be accessed by a toothbrush. Flossing teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene and involves cleaning between the teeth and along the gumline using a thin strand of dental floss.

Flossing removes plaque and tartar: There are two types of flosses – Nylon and PTFE flosses. They are available in different flavors and varied thicknesses. The plaque hardens into tartar, sticks to the enamel, and spreads to the gum line which triggers cavities and periodontitis. If left untreated this periodontitis can cause loss of teeth, receding gum line, and if it spreads to lungs and heart it may spell doom. Cleaning your teeth with floss is easier said than done. There is a technique to adhere and there is the right and wrong way to flossing. Maintaining good oral hygiene and promoting overall dental health greatly hinge on the importance of flossing. To ensure the most effective flossing routine, it is recommended to floss at least once a day, using the proper technique.

1) Be generous with your floss: It is inexpensive and most people use it conservatively. And there is a definite length of floss that should be used. For cleaning each tooth use a floss of a foot or eighteen inches in length. And remember to wrap the floss around your middle finger and spare an inch or two to get in between your teeth. This way you can floss faster and easier. And remember to use different sections of the floss for each tooth so it is far more hygienic than using the same floss strip for all the teeth. Flossing does not cause gaps between teeth. In fact, regular flossing can help maintain the health of your gums and prevent gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and gaps between teeth.

2) Floss gently: Remember to floss gently and your aim is to remove the debris in between your teeth and gums. If you floss very hard then it does more harm than good and leads to other gum and tooth problems. Being more hard is necessarily not more effective and damages your gums and enamel. Be gentle and develop a slow strategy while flossing as the floss works between the teeth and accesses the tough spots. Flossing versus not flossing can have significant impacts on your oral health. It’s important to note that while flossing is highly beneficial, it should be done correctly and in conjunction with regular brushing, proper oral hygiene practices, and routine dental check-ups.

3) Get a good grip: If the floss is not rigid then it won’t serve the purpose and will be ineffective. It must be held at an angle to clean the sides of each tooth and then change the angle of pull to reach the tight corners between your teeth. Be careful not to exert pressure as it may be detrimental and harm your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist about the different types of flosses and the one best suited for you. There are some people who are averse to flossing as it causes gum problems like bleeding gums post-flossing. And if you particularly have soft gums go for soft floss or even dental tape instead of conventional floss.

Conclusion: Flossing is the best way to prevent dental diseases. It is effective in removing minute food particles in between your teeth and keeps dental diseases like calculus gingivitis at bay. Regular flossing is known to prevent cavities and avoids bad breath in the future. Flossing and brushing are two essential components of a proper oral hygiene routine. While brushing helps clean the surfaces of your teeth, flossing targets the areas between your teeth and along the gum line that a toothbrush cannot reach effectively.