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FLOSS LIKE A BOSS!

By The Dentist

      Flossing trend is back, only this time to make you smile brighter. Yes! I am talking about dental flossing. Everyone knows the importance of flossing yet only a handful actually do it. We believe if you know the proper way to do it, you may start flossing your teeth. So here we are with a new post.

Significance of flossing:
     
      A tooth has 5 sides, when you brush you are cleaning only 3 sides. Then what happens to other sides? That is where bacteria are staying happily. Flossing is the best way to clean those two sides.
      You can put a stop to plaque build-up thus preventing infection of gums (also following periodontitis) by flossing.

Which one to pick?
      There is no one “right” floss for everyone. You can try different types and use which is comfortable for you since there is no difference in plaque removing ability.
     
      If you are wearing braces or bridges (crown), you can use super floss which is stiffer.
      You can use flavoured floss to give a fresh breath.
      For elders, floss holders or an electric flosser can make the work effortless.  
      You can use floss picks if you are on the go.



Steps in flossing:
      
  1. Take a piece of floss long enough to grasp- 12 to 18 inches.
  2. Stretch the floss tightly between the thumb and fore-finger or between both fore-fingers.
  3. Use gentle see-saw motion to pass through the contact area, once you are below the contact area be very careful not to injure the gingiva between your teeth. Wrap it tightly around the tooth in ‘C’ shape and go beneath the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times.
  4. Repeat the same procedure between all teeth till the back of your last teeth. Move to a fresh portion of floss for every tooth.

When not to floss?

  • Gums are red, swollen and painful,
  • Pus discharge,
  • Loose tooth 
         In these cases your first priority should be going to the dentist.

       BRUSHING (60%) + FLOSSING (40%) = 100% CLEANING!

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