How to floss

What is Flossing and Why is it Important?

Flossing is a fundamental practice in maintaining good oral hygiene. It involves using a thin strand of synthetic or natural fiber to clean between your teeth and under the gumline. While brushing effectively cleans the surfaces of your teeth, it often misses the tight spaces between them and the crucial area where the tooth meets the gum. This is where plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and food particles can accumulate, leading to a host of dental problems.

The importance of flossing cannot be overstated. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars from food particles, producing acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which is much more difficult to remove and can irritate the gums. This irritation can progress from gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, to periodontitis, a more severe infection that can damage the bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

How to Floss Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proper technique is essential for effective flossing and to avoid damaging your gums.

1. Measure the Floss: Break off an adequate length of floss, typically about 18 inches (45 cm). This might seem like a lot, but it allows you to use a clean section of floss for each tooth, preventing the transfer of bacteria from one area to another.

2. Wind the Floss: Gently wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, leaving about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of floss to work with. Wrap the remaining floss around the middle finger of the opposite hand. This finger will act as a spool to take up the used floss.

3. Hold the Floss: Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss. For the upper teeth, use your index fingers. For the lower teeth, use your thumbs. Hold the floss taut between your fingers, creating a firm grip.

4. Insert the Floss: Gently guide the floss between two teeth using a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss down onto your gums, as this can cause injury and bleeding.

5. Curve and Clean: Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a 'C' shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. Hold the floss firmly against the tooth and gently rub it up and down the side of the tooth, moving from the gumline to the top of the tooth. Repeat this motion several times.

6. Floss Both Sides: Repeat the curving and cleaning motion on the adjacent tooth, again forming a 'C' shape and sliding the floss into the space between the gum and that tooth. Ensure you clean both sides of every tooth, including the back surfaces of your molars.

7. Use a Clean Section: As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind a fresh section of floss from the spool finger and wind the used floss onto the other finger. This ensures you are always using a clean piece of floss.

8. Rinse: After flossing all your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or an antiseptic mouthwash to remove any loosened plaque and food particles.

When Should You Floss?

The general recommendation from dental professionals is to floss at least once a day. Many dentists suggest flossing before brushing your teeth. This order has a couple of benefits: it loosens debris and plaque, allowing your toothbrush and toothpaste to clean more effectively. Additionally, if you discover you've missed spots or have bleeding gums, you can address them with your toothbrush and toothpaste. However, the most crucial aspect is to floss consistently, regardless of whether it's before or after brushing, or at a different time of day.

What If My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

Some bleeding when you first start flossing, or if you haven't flossed regularly, is common. It's usually a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, caused by plaque buildup irritating the gums. If you experience bleeding, don't stop flossing; continue to floss gently and consistently. The bleeding should decrease and eventually stop within a week or two as your gums become healthier. If the bleeding persists beyond two weeks despite regular, gentle flossing, or if you experience significant pain, consult your dentist. They can assess your gum health and rule out any more serious underlying issues.

Choosing the Right Floss

There are various types of dental floss available, and the best one for you depends on your personal preference and dental needs:

• Waxed vs. Unwaxed: Waxed floss is generally easier to slide between teeth, especially tight ones, and is less likely to shred. Unwaxed floss is thinner and may be better at removing plaque from very tight spaces but can fray more easily.
• Flavored vs. Unflavored: Many flosses come in various flavors like mint or cinnamon to make the experience more pleasant.
• Tape Floss: This is a wider, flatter floss that can be effective for cleaning larger gaps between teeth.
• Dental Tape: Similar to tape floss, it's broader and thinner than standard floss.
• Floss Picks: These are pre-strung plastic tools that hold a short piece of floss. They are convenient for on-the-go use or for people who find traditional flossing difficult, but they may not allow for the same level of control and thoroughness as manual flossing.
• Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators): These devices use a stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline. They can be a good alternative for individuals with braces, bridges, or those who find traditional flossing challenging, but they are often used as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional floss.

Consult your dentist or dental hygienist if you are unsure which type of floss is best for your specific needs.

Conclusion

Incorporating flossing into your daily oral hygiene routine is a simple yet powerful step towards preventing dental problems and maintaining a healthy smile. By understanding the correct technique and the importance of consistency, you can effectively remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas, contributing significantly to your overall oral health.