When we talk about oral health many of us think brushing twice a day is more than sufficient to maintain a good oral hygiene.

Brushing only cleans a layer of plaque that is formed on outer and inner tooth surface, But have you ever given a thought about the surface between the teeth?

Good oral hygiene helps to keep your breath fresh and your teeth and gums healthy.

A proper brushing and flossing technique is the one step to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What is floss?

Floss is a thin filament used to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth. 

Floss is an interdental cleaner. It is designed specially to clean the tight space between the teeth and gap between base of the teeth and gums. This is a place that a toothbrush can't reach. After brushing second thing comes in our mind is mouthwash. Mouthwash can kill the bacteria but can't remove the plaque or food particles that can lodge in these areas. 

Dental Floss
Why do we need Flossing?

It is highly recommended that cleaning between your teeth is as important as brushing everyday. That is not possible by any brushing technique or by any type of brush. You have to use floss to clean your teeth surface interdentally .

Benefits - Flossing helps to prevent decay between the teeth that occurs due to plaque & food stuck between the teeth. If the plaque is not being removed regularly, it can eventually harden into a rough substance called tartar or calculus. This further leads to bleeding gums & gum disease called Gingivitis . 

Prolonged ignorance may lead to Periodontitis. Once calculus is formed it can't be removed by normal brushing.

In such a scenario you need to visit your dentist to get professional help in calculus removal.

Periodontitis - caused by deposition of plaque 

Flossing plays a very important role to improve your gum health & prevention from decay. Varieties of dental floss are available in market & they are very cost effective too . 

Mistakes -

Usually if  something gets stuck between the teeth people try to use some other tools that are harmful for your gums and teeth, Eg. :- 

  • Nails
  • Toothpicks
  • Fold paper or card
  • Fork or spoon 
  • Safety pins 
DONTs - Using Nails for cleaning stuck food between the teeth can damage healthy gums
DONTs - Using a toothpick for cleaning can damage healthy gums
Instead you can use other tools that are designed for dental use only :-
  • Interdental Brush 
  • String Floss
  • Water Floss

Water Floss comes with a special machine that directs a stream of water into the mouth & gums .It uses the pressure of water to massage the gums & push the food away from the teeth . 

Water floss is a good option if you are not comfortable with normal traditional flossing or if you are undergoing any  dental procedure like Ortho treatment & Bridges .

Picture - Water Floss helps to remove plaque or food 
Interdental Floss with handle for easy flossing 
Interdental Brush 
Interdental brushes comes in different sizes , you can choose accordingly or consult with your Dentist 

What is the best time to do flossing?

You can select any time you prefer . Keep in mind flossing should not be painful. 

Initially you may feel a little discomfort or may see some bleeding which is expected if you are a beginner, but should be fine after a week or two. If pain persists, Consult with your Dentist!

It should not be done too forcefully else you will tear your gums. Also, it should not be too easy otherwise the food particles will not come out. It should be done gently and with adequate pressure. 

Flossing is as important as Brushing 

Steps of Flossing -

  1. Breakup about 18 inch floss and roll it around the middle finger of both the hands with the corners. 

    2.Hold the floss tightly between your thumb and four fingers. 

    3.Guide the floss through the thumb and forefinger between the teeth by gentle rubbing motion. 

    4.When floss reaches the gum line, gently slide it up between the gum and tooth. 

    5.Hold tightly and gently rub side of the teeth. Repeat the same steps on the other side of the tooth as well. 

    6.Don't forget to floss on your molars too .

Flossing Technique 

Include flossing in your routine to improve your oral health.

 Visit your Dentist to know more about flossing and oral health!