Flossing is an essential step in your dental homecare routine because, when done effectively, it removes plaque from between teeth, as well as below the gum line. This is where both periodontal disease and cavities usually begin.

If you have areas that are difficult to clean with floss, you may need to use either Superfloss or a floss threader. Both are inexpensive and easy to use, and will make flossing hard-to-reach places easier. They are particularly useful under bridges and between the bands and wires on braces.

Superfloss

Superfloss has an end that is stiff, so it threads easily through tight areas. It also has a fuzzy, tufted segment that helps remove plaque and food particles as you floss. Superfloss is used the same way as regular floss, except you thread it between your teeth by inserting it from the side, next to the gum line. Slide the Superfloss under your bridge or your archwire, pull into a C shape and floss both sides of every tooth.

 

As Superfloss is thicker than regular floss, it is easier to floss teeth that are next to a wider-than-normal gap, and it decreases the time necessary to properly clean these larger tooth surfaces. Since Superfloss is sturdier, it is also a good choice if the floss that you currently use shreds when you run it between your teeth.

 

 

A floss threader helps you maneuver regular dental floss through tight spaces under bridges and braces. Pull about 18 inches of regular floss through the loop of the floss threader. Then insert the opposite end of the threader under the bridge or up to the braces until the floss is where you want it to be, and pull into a C shape, cleaning both surfaces of every tooth. Rinse with plenty of water when you are finished.

 

Superfloss and floss threaders can help maximize the effectiveness of your oral homecare. They make it easier to floss every day, so you can eliminate plaque and prevent periodontal disease and cavities.

It's important that you floss between your teeth once a day. Most cavities and gum disease start between your teeth, where your toothbrush just can't reach.

Flossing removes the plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line. Plaque is the culprit in tooth decay and gum disease. It is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria and food residue that regularly attaches to the teeth. If you don't floss every day to remove the plaque that forms daily on your teeth, the plaque will harden into tartar (also called calculus) which can't be removed by brushing or flossing. Tartar causes even more problems, as it traps the destructive bacteria against the tooth and gums.

 

How to floss properly

Break off about 18 inches of floss, and wind most of it around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about five inches of floss unwound. Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently glide the floss down between two teeth, using a side-to-side sawing motion. If it's difficult to fit the floss between your teeth, or if it snags or tears, let us know. These are problems that need to be fixed.

It's normal for gums to bleed a bit when you first start flossing. After a week or so of daily flossing, the bleeding should stop. If it doesn't, be sure to let us know.

Which floss to choose?

There are many types of floss on the market today - waxed and unwaxed; fine floss and dental tape; flavored and unflavored. Each are equal in their ability to remove plaque from between your teeth. We would be happy to recommend a floss that is well suited to the conditions in your mouth.

Power Toothbrushes

Numerous clinical studies have shown that brushing with a power toothbrush can be more effective than manual brushing. The brushing action of a power toothbrush loosens and removes plaque much more effectively than manual brushing. A power brush moves over your teeth much more quickly, and uses different motions than you can with a manual toothbrush. This means that, during the same amount of time, your teeth are cleaned more effectively, with many more brush strokes than they would be when you brush manually. Also, according to the

Academy of General Dentistry, "one of the major benefits of power toothbrushes is that people are more likely to brush properly and for the full two minutes suggested by dentists for optimum plaque removal."