Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Flossing
What Is Flossing?
Floss comes in a variety of materials and colors, but essentially, it
is a very thin cord you hold between fingers of each hand and insert
between adjoining teeth. The cord, or floss, helps loosen debris by
gently moving it up and down and back and forth between the teeth.
Flossing is a proven method for loosening debris from
hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth and gum lines. Next to brushing,
flossing is a highly effective method for removing plaque on tooth
surfaces your brush can't reach very well.
Another benefit of flossing is increasing blood circulation in
your gums. Gum stimulation is a necessary means of keeping your gum
tissues healthy; strong gums are the foundation of your teeth.
How Often To Floss
Our office recommends that you practice flossing once a day.
Many people find that flossing at night is an easy bedtime routine;
moreover, nighttime flossing helps to protect your teeth during sleep,
when harmful plaque can do a lot of damage.
Types of Floss
Dental floss comes in a variety of materials, colors, and even
flavors. Waxed varieties are slipperier, allowing people with extremely
tight spaces between their teeth to floss more easily. Popular flavors
of floss include wintergreen and cinnamon. Waxed floss does tend to
fray more than unwaxed floss.
A type of material called wide floss can be effective for
people with large spaces between their teeth, or for people with
delicate bridge work.
Floss can be purchased in small self-dispensing boxes. Floss
can also be purchased in special, single-use holders, a useful
invention people who have a hard time wrapping floss around their
fingers, including those with dexterity problems or arthritis.
Flossing Techniques
Most people who floss wrap 1-2 inches of floss around a finger
on each hand, and use the floss in between on their teeth. The
important thing is that you leave plenty of floss in between to allow
you to maneuver inside your mouth.
One effective way is to break off about a foot of floss. Wrap
one end of the floss a few times around the middle finger of each hand.
You can use your forefinger and thumbs to maneuver the floss inside
your mouth.
Press the floss in between two teeth and gently press downward
(or upward if doing an upper set of teeth). Next, glide the floss up
and down a few times against the surfaces of both teeth, carefully
doing so at and below the gum line as well. Repeat this procedure for
each tooth, taking up the slack when floss becomes worn or frayed.
Don't be alarmed if your gums slightly bleed the first time
you floss. This is normal and will cease when your gums become used to
flossing.
For Those with Special Needs
Those who have a hard time holding on to a piece of floss or a
toothbrush can try supplementing the toothbrush handle with a rubber
handle grip or ball, or even lengthening the handle with a stick or
piece of plastic.
Floss can also be tied into a tiny loop on either side, making it easier to grasp and control the floss with your fingers.
Flossing Alternatives
There are several alternatives to flossing for those who find
it too difficult, too painful (sensitive gums or gum disease) or
ineffective (those people with braces or delicate bridge work. But
remember one thing: Never use a toothpick as a substitute for flossing.
Toothpicks can tear delicate gum tissue and may damage existing dental
restorations.
One popular flossing alternative is called a water pick, or irrigator.
Water picks use powerful tiny bursts of water to blast away
food particles and other debris in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
Dentists use professional-grade water picks when preparing a tooth for
restoration, or in general cleaning and exams.
People with painful gum disease or highly sensitive gums may
find water picks useful for supplementing their brushing regimen. And
people with orthodontia, including braces, have found water picks quite
useful because toothbrush bristles often get stuck.
Antibacterial rinses (over-the-counter and by prescription) are somewhat effective.
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