Flossing

Why Floss Is So Important, And How Much Do You Do It?

Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the cardinal rule of good oral health. However, experience and practise are two very different things. Just because we know these fundamentals by heart doesn't mean we practise them on a daily basis.

Flossing, in particular, is more difficult to adhere to because it necessitates brushing between the teeth in order to prevent plaque build-up. On top of brushing twice a day, that's a lot of washing for a complete collection of teeth. It's no wonder, then, that many people put it off until it's too late. At that time, the plaque build-up had progressed to the point of causing a cavity and other more serious dental issues.

When was the last time you flossed or had your teeth cleaned by a professional? If you're not sure why you should floss in addition to brushing, or how much you should floss, now is a good time to review the basics.

Is it necessary for me to floss?

Many people who don't floss claim that daily brushing cleans their teeth enough, and that flossing is an additional yet unnecessary precaution that they don't need because their teeth are safe. However, they are incorrect.

It doesn't help that there was some contradictory information about flossing. Despite recommending oral prophylaxis, skilled teeth cleaning, and regular brushing, these say that flossing is not necessary for daily oral hygiene. There are also fewer studies on flossing, especially those that show that flossing is just as important as brushing.

But here's where they're wrong: your toothbrush won't be able to reach every part of your mouth, particularly the areas between your teeth that aren't noticeable. Cavity-causing plaque can only be removed by interdental washing, such as flossing. Simply put, flossing will remove particles stuck between teeth, which a toothbrush's bristles can't. You're more likely to get cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease if you brush daily but don't floss.

I'm not sure how much I can floss.

We're both aware that we can brush our teeth at least twice a day. Brushing cleans the teeth's visible surfaces, but flossing cleans the hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line.

Flossing at least once a day is essential to avoid plaque build-up and gum disease. If you were rushing to brush your teeth after a meal, flossing during your next brush helps you to extract plaque, bacteria, and food particles that were difficult to reach.

As a result, floss as much as you clean to protect yourself from cavities and gum disease. Flossing after each meal removes debris trapped between your teeth and effectively avoids plaque build-up. There is no such thing as too much flossing unless you're flossing inappropriately and applying excessive pressure on your teeth and gums.

Flossing Methods

Although there is no such thing as too much flossing, it is important to floss correctly in order to efficiently remove debris and avoid damage to your teeth and gums. It takes some time to get into the habit of flossing, but once you do, you'll wonder why it hasn't always been a part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

In five simple steps, learn how to floss properly :

• Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and wrap the majority of it around one hand's middle finger. Wrap the rest of the thread around your other hand's middle finger, leaving a strand in between.
• Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers, then slip it between two teeth.\
• Up and down, move the floss. Make sure you have it close to the gum line, then gently curve it and slip it under the gum next to one tooth.
• Up and down, move the floss. Make sure you have it close to the gum line, then gently curve it and slip it under the gum next to one tooth.
• Clean under the gum line of the adjacent tooth. To clean between the teeth, move the floss up and down tightly against each tooth.
• Repeat the procedure by gently sliding the floss out and unwinding a new section of floss between each tooth.

What is the perfect time to floss your teeth?

Make flossing a routine by doing it after you clean your teeth. The Journal of Periodontology suggests flossing before brushing to remove debris stuck between teeth and make brushing them away easier. After cleaning, the fluoride content on the tooth enamel is still maintained.

It takes time and practise to master flossing. However, for some people, the problem is with the floss itself and getting it between their teeth. If you're having problems with conventional floss, try waxed floss, which is easier to slide between teeth. Interdental cleaners, such as pre-threaded flossers and dental picks that are easier to grip at the handle, are another choice.

If these don't work, try tiny brushes that can reach between teeth, plaque removers, or powered water flossers. However, while water picks can remove debris and help minimise bacterial build-up below the gum line, they are not as good as dental floss at removing plaque.

Ask your dentist for teeth cleaning services for the best results. Professional teeth brushing, in addition to flossing every day at home, reinforces the regular oral health regimen and aids in the prevention of cavities and gum disease. Depending on your dental structure, current oral disorders, or appliances like braces that make it difficult to floss on your own, your dentist or dental hygienist can prescribe other types of interdental flossers during your visit.

Visit the best dental clinic in Bangalore - Tooth Affair

At Tooth Affair, we are known for providing best dental   health care services to all individuals. Backed by a state of the art infrastructural facility and a dedicated & well-trained staff, our dental care center has carved a niche in the industry by offering excellent Oral and Dental services at all levels. We believe in serving our patients with utmost care and concern. The dental specialists at Tooth Affair use most advanced equipment and technology to give you the award-winning smile and attractive look.

To learn more about flossing methods and to begin receiving teeth cleaning services in Bangalore, contact us today at  7676206206