Dental Flossing

Flossing in between your teeth is an essential oral hygiene practice for avoiding gum disease and preventing tooth decay. Gum disease affects over 3/4th of adults and is one of the main causes of tooth loss however it can be easily prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth.

Many people do not realize the importance of flossing and often forego the hygienic practice, believing that tooth brushing is adequate for the removal of plaque, the sticky substance that forms on the surface of and in between the teeth.

Tooth decay is a serious oral health concern that is caused by a buildup of plaque. If dental plaque is allowed to accumulate, it can combine with the sugars and/or starches of the foods that we eat to produce an acid that attacks tooth enamel. Tooth brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, but only flossing can remove plaque that accumulates in between the teeth.

Flossing your teeth is not hard, does not take much time and should be performed at least once daily. The following steps detail optimal flossing techniques for maximum effectiveness:

• Select the type dental floss that you prefer.
• Tear off a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
• Wrap one end of the floss around either your middle or index finger.
• Wrap the other end of the floss around the finger on your opposite hand.
• Grip the floss tightly between your thumb and finger.
• Gently insert the dental floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss or you could damage your gums.
• Gently move the floss back and forth against the tooth on both sides and underneath the gum line.
• Repeat this process in between all of the upper and lower teeth.
• It is important to floss against the backside of a tooth even if there is no tooth behind it.

There are different types of dental floss from which to choose. Among the different kinds of floss are dental tape, waxed floss, woven floss and unwaxed floss. Your hygienist or dentist can recommend which is most appropriate for you.

The best dental flossing product is the one that you will use everyday. The bottom line is that flossing is an essential component of your daily oral hygiene practices and should not be overlooked.