Dental Floss

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line, where toothbrush cannot reach. Not removing plaque can result in tooth decay and ultimately in periodontal disease.

Johnson and Johnson Company of New Brunswick, NJ first commercially produced floss in the United States in 1882. The current market is flooded with all flavors and varieties of dental floss. You would find plain, mint, cinnamon flavor; extra wide, extra fine, waxed, un-waxed, special-purpose floss etc. Following are the basic instructions of flossing :

1. Cut off about 18” of the floss you wish to use.
2. Wrap about 14” around the index finger of one hand.
3. Wrap the rest around the middle finger of the other hand, and use this finger for taking up used floss.
4. With about an inch of floss between them, the thumb and forefinger are used to guide the floss between the teeth.
5. Work the floss between the teeth, using a sawing motion. Never snap the floss as it can result in serious gingival injury.
6. Gently work the floss down the side of the tooth until it meets the gingival. Then gently slide the floss into the space between the gingival and the tooth.
7. Curve the floss into a C shape, against the surface of the tooth. Move the floss away from the gingival, using a scraping action along the side of each tooth. Repeat this action 4-5 times per tooth surface.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 with a clean segment of the floss for each tooth.

In case of children, it would be easier to use a loop of floss. They should take a piece of floss about 10” long and tie the ends together to form a circle. Then hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers and proceed.

It is important to floss daily, preferably in the evening, before retiring to bed. Those who do not have good finger dexterity could use commercial floss holder. You should not miss flossing any tooth and make sure that the back surface of each tooth is also flossed. It is common to get gingiva sore for about a week, when you first start using floss. However, if gingival continues to remain sore and if bleeding persists, visit your dentist. It could be sign of an improper flossing technique or periodontal disease.

Happy flossing, but do remember that flossing is no substitute for brushing.

Tagged as: Dental floss, flossing technique