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Flossing – an essential part of your Oral Hygiene

MARCH 5, 2015 BY FLORENCE DENTISTRY

Flossing – your #1 defense in minimizing interdental decay!!!

Ottawa Downtown Dentist, Florence Dentistry, Ottawa Dentist, Flossing, Oral Hygiene

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The question your dental professional probably asks you at every dental visit –are you flossing?

The reality is that 85-90% of Canadians have gingivitis, which is directly related to poor oral hygiene, and thelack of flossing. Also, toothbrushes cannot completely remove plaque and other debris that gets lodgedbetween teeth, and thus the lack of flossing also causes interdental decay.What many people do not realize is that there are several alternatives to the traditional method of flossing –which tends to be the primary deterrent to flossing. While there are alternative methods to flossing, I will beginwith the guidelines for the effective traditional flossing technique.

Guidelines For Effective Traditional Flossing1. Using approximately 18 inches of floss and holding hands 5 inches apart, pinch the floss with your middlefinger and thumb and wind the floss around your fingers until there is 2 inches between both hands2. Carefully glide the floss between the teeth and hold the floss snug around the tooth in a c-shape3. Carefully glide the floss under the gingiva (gums) until you feel some resistance4. Using an up and down motion you will remove any debris caught between the teeth5. Using a clean piece of floss, use steps 1-4 on each tooth surface

Other Floss AidsFloss handles – All floss handles have a handle, which enables easier dexterity as the fingers do not completethe action of flossing. Some floss handles are disposable and are meant for one time usage and there aresome where only the floss is removed and should as such be cleaned thoroughly after use. The propertechnique for use of floss handles mimics the traditional technique – the floss is inserted between the teeth,and the floss is pulled in the same ‘c-shape’ and in an up and down motion, manoeuvre the floss beneath thegingiva to remove debris.Interdental Brushes – These brushes generally have a small handle, with a cylindrical/cone shaped brush onthe end. It is meant to be placed in between the teeth to remove debris, or into the sulcus (vertically under the

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the end. It is meant to be placed in between the teeth to remove debris, or into the sulcus (vertically under thegingiva) to help remove debris trapped in deep periodontal pockets. While this method is effective, you shouldconsult your dental professional and seek the advice as to what size/shape interdental brush is mostappropriate for your mouth.Floss threaders – You have braces, a lingual permanent wire, or a bridge – how do you floss with theseobstacles? Floss threaders are small lassoes that have a pointed tip. Take 12 inches of floss and insert the flosshalfway into the loop of the threader and bend the floss. Using the pointed tip, insert the threader adjacent tothe wire of your braces/lingual retainer between the teeth, or beneath your bridge and pull the floss throughso you can effectively floss beneath the gums and between the teeth, as you would in the traditional method.Waterpik – The Waterpik is the most universal method of flossing and considered to be the best form – NOFLOSS IS USED! The Waterpik is an electronic device with a pointed tip and a housing that resembles anelectric toothbrush. Within the Waterpik is a reservoir where water is filled (or whichever antibacterial rinse youuse regularly), and once powered on and placed between the teeth, acts like a power hose, blasting anyplaque or debris out from within the sulcus of the tooth and between the teeth. The addition of theantibacterial rinse allows for better elimination of bacteria within the mouth, and gives you fresh breath.

Whichever method of flossing you find is best for yourself, please remember that flossing is crucial to your oralhealth, and should be done every single time you brush your teeth.Rule of thumb – you wouldn’t wash your whole body in the shower and leave out your hair, would you? It is anessential step to personal hygiene. Flossing is like washing your hair, it is essential to your oral hygiene!

To learn more click the following linksOral hygieneInterdental decayFlossing demonstration

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Downtown Ottawa Dentist, Florence Dentistry, Floss Aids, Oral Hygiene, Ottawa Dentist

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