How to use dental floss?

Dental floss is made from polymer fibers. As teeth have 5 surfaces and only 3 of them can be cleaned with a brush and toothpaste, a tool is needed that can reach hard-to-reach areas.

When a person neglects cleaning the contact surfaces, interproximal caries begins to develop. This condition affects two teeth at once, and a non-professional only notices the problem once the caries has become deep. This state requires more expensive and serious treatment compared to the initial stage.

Today, floss is manufactured in such a way that it safely and gently removes plaque and food particles from the enamel.

Today, manufacturers produce different types of floss. They are classified by various composition:

• Unwaxed. Their special feature is their ability to change structure during cleaning. They remove plaque quickly and effectively. Since they are not coated with wax, a person can monitor the quality of cleaning by the squeaking sound during use.
• Waxed. This type of floss is thinly coated with wax and therefore glides easily between teeth. It can be used by people with gum disease and those who are just learning to use floss. However, it does not remove food particles as effectively as the previous type.

Floss is also classified by cross-section:

• Flat – good for people whose teeth are positioned very close together;
• Round – can be used by patients whose teeth are spaced far apart;
• Volumetric – this type of floss can be used by people with widely spaced teeth and non-standard gaps.

These hygiene products are also divided by material type:

• Nylon – a durable material, but not as soft and elastic as nylon;
• Nylon – considered one of the best flosses because they effectively clean interdental spaces due to their strength and elasticity;
• Silk – since this type is not durable, it is rarely used;
• PTFE – they are of high quality, remove food particles instantly, and pick up plaque, but due to their advantages they cost more compared to other types;
• Acetate – they are similar to silk. They are valued for their reliability and flexibility.

Floss manufacturers often add a menthol coating, which freshens breath well after use. And those varieties with added fluoride can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of caries.

After reviewing the main purposes, advantages and disadvantages of floss, and their varieties, you can learn how to use them. The entire procedure takes quite a bit of time, because everything must be done carefully.

The steps during the procedure should be as follows:

• About 35-45 centimeters of floss is separated, wrapped around the middle fingers, leaving a free end of about 10 centimeters. It should always be taut so that it is convenient to use.
• Guiding the floss with the index fingers, it is inserted between the teeth. After placing it against the surface of the tooth, you can begin the procedure, moving it back and forth.
• After cleaning one space, the floss can be moved to another, but it needs to be shifted slightly so that the next section is new.
• After all teeth have been cleaned, the floss must be thrown away. It must never be used several times, because this will only create ideal conditions for the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria.
• After the procedure, the oral cavity must be rinsed. For this, you can use a special mouthwash or ordinary warm water.

• Bleeding gums. If a person suffers from gum disease or has loose teeth, they should see a periodontist. In their case, dental floss may only make things worse.
• Presence of crowns or bridges. Before starting to use floss, it is best to consult with your treating dentist. In some cases it is contraindicated, while in others the doctor may recommend a different, more suitable model.
• Cavities. People whose teeth are severely damaged by decay are advised to have them treated first, and only then begin using dental floss. If this is neglected, the floss may catch on the edge of the tooth and damage it even more.
• Children under 8 years old. At this age, children do not yet know how to use dental floss properly. Therefore, to avoid injuring the oral cavity, it is better to start such procedures after the age of 8.

• Thanks to the timely removal of food debris, the likelihood of developing cavities is reduced;
• Bad breath is eliminated, which occurs due to the accumulation of food particles and plaque between the teeth;
• Using floss with fluoride coating helps strengthen enamel and acts preventively, preventing the development of dental diseases.

• The cleaning procedure requires a lot of time;
• With improper movements, the floss can damage the interdental papilla.