How to floss: Technique, Advantages, Disadvantages and more (2024)

What is floss?

Flossing is the process of using a thin, waxed or unwaxed thread called dental floss to clean between teeth and remove food particles and plaque that can accumulate in those spaces.

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and is recommended by dentists as a way to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When done regularly along with brushing, flossing can help remove bacteria and food debris from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, including the spaces between teeth and under the gumline.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to help maintain good oral health.

Learn to floss

Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene and can help remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush may not reach.

Steps for learning how to floss:

1. Start by breaking off about 18 inches of floss from the dispenser.

2. Wind most of 18 inches of floss around one of your middle fingers, and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand. This will leave about an inch or two of floss to use.

3. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently move it in between your teeth doing a back-and-forth motion.

4. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth in a C-shape, making sure to go beneath the gum line. Gently slide the floss up and down against the side of each tooth.

5. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, and remember to floss both sides of each tooth.

6. When you're done, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened debris.

7. Discard the used floss by wrapping it around your fingers and throwing it in the trash.

It may take some practice to get comfortable with flossing, but with regular practice, it will become easier and more effective. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Advantages of flossing

Flossing has several advantages that can help improve oral health.

1. Removes plaque and food debris: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that can get stuck in between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. So, tooth decay and gum disease are prevented.
2. Reduces the risk of gum disease: Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria around the gum line. Flossing helps to remove these harmful substances, reducing the risk of developing gum disease.
3. Prevents bad breath: Flossing can help to remove bacteria and food particles that can contribute to bad breath.
4. Saves money on dental treatments: By maintaining good oral health through regular flossing, you can reduce the risk of developing dental problems that require expensive treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
5. Improves overall health: Poor oral health has been linked to several systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Flossing can help improve oral health, which in turn can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

In summary, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health and has several benefits that can help prevent dental problems and improve overall health.

Disadvantages of flossing

While flossing has many benefits for oral health, there are also some potential disadvantages that should be considered. Here are a few:

1. Difficulty: Flossing can be difficult for some people, especially those with limited dexterity or mobility in their hands. This can make it challenging to properly clean between teeth and can lead to ineffective cleaning.
2. Pain: Flossing can cause discomfort or pain for some people, especially if they have sensitive gums or dental work that is not properly fitted. This can make it challenging to maintain a consistent flossing routine.
3. Bleeding: Flossing can cause bleeding gums, especially if it has not been done regularly or correctly. This can be a sign of gum disease and should be evaluated by a dentist.
4. Time-consuming: Flossing can be time-consuming, especially if you have many teeth or if you are trying to do a thorough job. This can make it challenging to fit into a busy schedule or may cause some people to skip flossing altogether.
5. Not a substitute for brushing: While flossing is important, it should not be seen as a substitute for brushing. Brushing is still the most effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, and should be done twice a day for optimal oral health.

1. Oral-B Essential Floss (50 meters) - Rs. 60-70
2. Colgate Dental Floss (25 meters) - Rs. 100-120
3. Johnson's Reach Dental Floss (55 yards) - Rs. 300-350
4. Himalaya Dental Floss (50 meters) - Rs. 60-70
5. Sensodyne Gentle Floss (25 meters) - Rs. 250-300
6. Aquawhite Smart Floss (30 meters) - Rs. 100-120

floss or not floss?

It is generally recommended that individuals floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

If you are experiencing discomfort or bleeding while flossing, it is important to speak with a dentist who can evaluate your oral health and provide personalized recommendations. They can also provide guidance on proper flossing techniques and help you choose the best type of floss for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I floss my teeth?

It is advised to floss at least once a day, most likely before bedtime. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Floss before or after brushing my teeth?

It is advised to floss before brushing your teeth.

Can flossing help prevent cavities?

Yes, flossing can help prevent cavities by removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque is a white-yellow-brown sticky film of bacteria that forms and sticks on teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed.

Can flossing help prevent gum disease?

Yes, flossing can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line, where it can cause inflammation and infection.

Author-

Dentist

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