| Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on
teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum
disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth
carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth.
Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpicks, but floss
is the best choice.
Should I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in
between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss is the
single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than
the toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing or
brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When
you visit your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.
Why should I floss?
Flossing is the one most important step in oral care that people forget to do or
claim they don't have time for. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the
chances of keeping your teeth a lifetime and decrease your chance of having
periodontal or gum disease. Flossing cleans away the plaque from between
your teeth, decreases the chance of interproximal decay and increases blood
circulation in the gums.
Which type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and
unflavored, wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for
people with a lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the
spaces between teeth are wide. They all clean and remove plaque about the
same. Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight
restorations. However, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let you
know your teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as
regular unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.
How should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method. The
spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch piece
of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger. (Don't
cut off your finger's circulation!) Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the
same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes
soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and
thumbs. Don't pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt them. Don't
rub it side to side as if you're shining shoes. Bring the floss up and down
several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth being sure to go below the
gum line. The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble
hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece of floss
and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots. Place all of the
fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the
floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through
the upper teeth, going below the gumline forming a "C" on the side of the
tooth.
How often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or
three minutes.
What are floss holders?
You may prefer a prethreaded flosser or floss holder, which often looks like a
little hacksaw. Flossers are handy for people with limited dexterity, for those
who are just beginning to floss, or for caretakers who are flossing someone
else's teeth.
Is it safe to use toothpicks?
In a pinch, toothpicks are effective at removing food between teeth, but for
daily cleaning of plaque between teeth, floss is recommended. Toothpicks
come round and flat, narrow and thick. When you use a toothpick, don't press
too hard as you can break off the end and lodge it in your gums.
Do I need a waterpick (irrigating device)?
Don't use waterpicks as a substitute for toothbrushing and flossing. But they
are effective around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush
cannot reach. However, they do not remove plaque. Waterpicks are frequently
recommended for persons with gum disease when recommended by your
dentist. Solutions containing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or
tetracycline, available through a dentist's prescription, can be added to the
reservoir. |
