Dentist’s Advice: Mastering The Art Of Flossing For A Healthier Smile

Maintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and flossing plays a vital role in ensuring healthy teeth and gums. While brushing is essential, flossing helps clean areas that toothbrushes can’t reach, such as between the teeth, where plaque can build up and lead to cavities and gum diseases. To achieve a healthier smile, it is necessary to properly clean the teeth through a combination of brushing and flossing.

The Need for Proper Teeth Cleaning

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report reveals that approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, with the majority residing in middle-income countries. Dental caries, a prevalent oral health issue, affects around two billion people’s permanent teeth, with 514 million children suffering from dental caries in their primary teeth.

To address these concerns and prevent oral health problems, proactive measures are essential. Proper cleaning of the teeth using flossing and brushing is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. Dr. Rupali Agnihotri, Associate Professor at the Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, stresses the importance of flossing to remove plaque and food debris between teeth, preventing gum diseases and cavities. Flossing is particularly crucial as plaque left in these areas can turn into tartar, which becomes more challenging to remove.

When and How to Floss?

Dr. Agnihotri recommends flossing regularly, just like daily brushing. Flossing should be done before brushing to lift food and plaque from between the teeth, making it easier for the toothbrush to clean the area. According to the American Dental Association, flossing should be done at least once daily, while brushing should be done at least twice daily.

To floss effectively, Dr. Agnihotri emphasizes the importance of the correct technique to avoid damage to teeth and gums. She provides a step-by-step guide to proper flossing:

1. Start with a piece of floss about 12-18 inches long, wrapping it around your fingers or forming a loop.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and index finger and gently glide it up and down between the teeth, rubbing against both sides.
3. Avoid snapping the floss into the gums to prevent bruising.
4. Create a ‘C’ shape with the floss when it reaches near the gums and gently pass it under the gums to clean the area between the gums and teeth.
5. Move the floss back and forth below the gum line without applying excessive pressure.
6. Repeat these steps for each tooth, using a fresh piece of floss if it shreds or becomes dirty.

Flossing with Orthodontic Braces

During orthodontic treatment, flossing remains important, with waxed dental floss recommended as it easily slips between teeth. Dr. Agnihotri advises against applying too much pressure during flossing to avoid damaging the brackets. She provides specific steps for effective flossing with braces:

1. Take a 12-18 inches long piece of dental floss.
2. Thread the floss under the archwire of the braces.
3. Gently pull the floss between two teeth, moving it up and down and side to side to clean the tooth surface.
4. Create a ‘C’ shape with the floss and gently floss into the gumline at the base of the tooth.
5. Gently pull the floss out and repeat these steps for the next teeth.

Types of Dental Floss

Various types of floss are available in the market, catering to different preferences and oral needs:

1. Dental tape: Broad and flat like a ribbon, recommended for gaps between teeth or for those with braces.
2. Regular floss: Thin nylon or plastic strand, available in waxed, unwaxed, or flavored variants.
3. Super floss: Recommended for braces, bridges, or wide gaps, consisting of three components for comprehensive cleaning.

Useful Tools for Easy Flossing

For those who find traditional flossing challenging, several tools can facilitate the process:

1. Floss holders: Facilitate flossing and keep the floss tight when penetrating contact points between teeth.
2. Disposable floss holders: Single-use pre-threaded floss, less time-consuming than regular floss holders.
3. Electric flossers: Air or water flossers directing streams of air and water into spaces between teeth, suitable for people with braces or bridges.

In conclusion, good oral health is more than just brushing; flossing is equally important for removing plaque and food debris between teeth, preventing tooth decay and gum diseases. Proper flossing technique, along with the right dental floss type and tools, ensures healthy and beautiful teeth for years to come. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual health needs.