All About Flossing

What's the big deal about flossing? You have to twist and turn that little string in between your teeth, it seems like such a hassle, we have to question - is it worth all the trouble? Your teeth and gums can harbor a lot of bacteria and germs, for this reason, flossing is essential to oral hygiene.

Many people do not floss properly, one common error is pulling down too hard on the floss causing damage to the gum tissue. The first thing you want to do is to cut off about an 18-inch piece of floss, you will want to wrap the ends around each index finger and make it taught. The next step is working the floss in between all of your teeth. People tend to overcomplicate this step, all you want to do is lightly clean the inner sides of each tooth and dislodge any food particles that may be stuck there. You do not want to tear your gums, this can happen if you floss too hard.

How Often Should You Floss?

Here is another thing people sometimes get backward, and that is when to floss.As with brushing you should floss at least once a day. The best time to floss is right before bed. 9 out of 10 dentists agree that flossing after you brush is more beneficial to oral health. Brushing before flossing loosens bacteria and plaque which makes getting those stubborn particles between your teeth out that much more easier.

What Type Of Floss Should You Use?

Like everything nowadays you have several options to choose from.
Let's take a look at a few of the common floss types:

- Unwaxed
- Waxed
- Synthetic
- Flat
- Super Floss

Most people just pick up from the store some form of waxed floss. The cheaper unwaxed floss tends to break when used on closely spaced teeth. For teeth that are not tightly spaced the flat floss is more suited for the job, sometimes it's just a matter of testing what works best for you. Also worth mentioning, floss now comes in assorted flavors, what will they think of next.

What is the proper way to floss

As one reader of dentasource.blogspot.com that goes by the name Williams put it ...

"Always remember that it is important to floss properly if you aim to get its intended effect. Forming a C-shape with the floss against the side of the tooth is the correct way to floss, according to the ADA. Brushing, in combination with flossing, helps distribute fluoride, which can enhance the effect of flossing. If flossing is done improperly, gum damage may result. Be sure to be careful when you’re doing it." 

The Main Reason to Floss

Two words that come to mind are: Streptococcus Mutans.

This is a bacteria that loves to hang out in your mouth and finds a home on your tooth surfaces. As you may have already guessed this streptococcus mutans bacteria is a major cause of cavities. Daily flossing helps rid your teeth of these little bacteria critters. In the long run, you will save a substantial amount of time a frustration in keeping a good flossing routine.