We have been taught to brush our teeth twice a day, drink a lot of water, and avoid sugary food and drinks as the basics of oral hygiene since childhood. However, dental flossing is a concept that was and still is largely unknown to many people. Here is a guide on why and how to floss your teeth.
What do you mean by flossing your teeth?
It is a process of removing food debris and other stuck food particles between the gaps of our teeth. This does not allow the formation of plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease by a huge percentage.
Some small food debris that is not removed while brushing your teeth may induce bacterial growth, leading to the formation of a sticky layer over your teeth and gums, which can result in various diseases.
What are the 5 correct steps of dental flossing?
According to social surveys, a very small percentage of the population flosses their teeth. Most people are unaware of the importance of flossing, and those who know that are not flossing correctly. Let us take a quick look at the correct steps of flossing.
- Break off a decent length of floss, wind most of it around both of your middle fingers, and leave about 2-3 inches to floss your teeth.
- Make sure you have a firm grip on the dental floss. Support the hold by placing your thumb and index fingers in suitable positions.
- Now, place the floss between your teeth and rub with gentle scratches. Make sure you do not accidentally floss your gums, as that may cause bleeding and bruising.
- The floss is very fragile; hence, your grip should be firm, but do not apply too much pressure on the thread as it might break off multiple times.
- Repeat this process for each and every tooth once or twice a day.
Types of dental floss
- Waxed or unwaxed thread – It is the most common type of dental floss that is used by the majority of people to floss their teeth.
- Super floss – People who have braces, wide gaps, or bridges between their teeth might face problems while flossing with normal floss. Hence, this is their best alternative.
- Floss picks – For the times when you are travelling, floss picks might come in handy as they are easy to use and can help you floss on the go.
- Air flossers – This is a rather new technique of flossing that uses air pressure to remove food debris from the gaps of teeth.
- Water flossers – Another modern technique of flossing, similar to the previously described air flossers, here, water pressure is used to remove food debris from the gaps between the teeth.
Benefits of dental flossing
Flossing reduces the risk of many oral diseases and helps an individual live a healthier life. Here are some benefits of flossing that might get you into the habit of flossing your teeth every day.
- No bad breath – Flossing helps you get rid of stuck food particles and thereby also gets rid of bad breath.
- Easy to carry – A dental floss barely takes up any space, and unlike a toothbrush, you can keep it in your pocket or wallet.
- Gums are stimulated – Flossing stimulates your gums and enhances blood circulation between them.
- Prevents other diseases – Flossing and dental care prevent diseases. These are not only restricted to oral diseases. Hence, oral health influences the overall health of a person.
- Reachability – Dental floss is more flexible and reaches all the spots. The toothbrush often fails to reach certain places; hence, flossing is required.
- Reduces dental bills – Maintaining good oral care also means fewer dentist visits and, in turn, fewer dental bills.
- Cavities – Regular flossing also reduces the chances of cavities in kids, primarily, and also in adults.
Dos and Don’ts of Dental Flossing
Dos
- There must be at least 1-2 inches of space in the floss inside your mouth.
- A good quality of floss should be used, as suggested by your dentist, so that there is no chance of infection.
- Using the correct type of dental floss is an essential step. There are several dental flosses, so use the perfect dental floss to avoid any complications or accidents while flossing.
- Spend a good 2-3 minutes flossing every day.
- You should floss at least once or twice daily.
Don’ts
- Use the same floss repeatedly. One floss is for one-time use only.
- Refuse to ask for help from a professional if the flossing techniques are causing you discomfort.
- Be very aggressive or casual while flossing.
- Rush the process. The results usually appear after 3-4 weeks; hence, patience is essential in the case of flossing.
- Not brushing twice a day because you are flossing. Both of them are crucial and contribute individually to your oral health.
Conclusion
To conclude, we know that, in order to get rid of food particles and plaque from places a toothbrush cannot reach, like in between teeth as well as the gum line, flossing is a crucial dental hygiene procedure. Frequent flossing helps avoid foul breath, gum disease, and cavities. By preventing bacterial accumulation and preserving healthy gums, it promotes general dental health. In order to have a clean, healthy, and self-assured smile, flossing is an essential daily routine.
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FAQs
Q) What if my gum bleeds while flossing?
A) Gum bleeds are usually caused by inflammation and swelling. It is best to continue flossing slowly, and if the problem persists, you should consult your dentist.
Q) What is the best time to floss?
A) Anytime is fine. Although flossing after your last meal and before brushing might be considered the best. The loosened particles get brushed away this way.
Q) When should children start flossing?
A) When a child has two consecutive teeth grown, it is a good time to start flossing. The food particles that get stuck in between them should be essentially removed with no further delay.
Q) What are alternatives to string floss?
A) Floss picks are a good alternative for travelling purposes, but string flosses generally provide more effective results.
Q) If my gums are sensitive, do I continue flossing?
A) Although it might seem controversial, the answer to this question is yes. The sensitivity of gums has nothing to do with flossing. So, even when one has sensitive gums, they can absolutely continue flossing.
Q) Is it necessary to floss regularly?
A) Yes, it is necessary to floss every day. You can also floss 2 or 3 times a day.