Medical Health Encyclopedia

Flossing. The use of dental floss, either waxed or unwaxed, is critical in cleaning between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach. In spite of this, nearly two-thirds of people do not floss.

To floss correctly, the following steps may be helpful:

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the other middle finger.
• Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and gently guide and rub it back and forth between the teeth.
• When it reaches the gum line, the floss should be curved around each tooth and slid gently back and forth against the gum.
• Finally, rub gently up and down against the tooth. Repeat with each tooth, including the outside of the back teeth.
• If, on repeated flossing attempts, the floss becomes shredded or cannot be removed easily from between the teeth, a rough crown or overhanging filling may be the cause. In such cases, the restoration should be redone. Such areas create spaces for the collection of food debris, plaque, and calculus.

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Here are some tips in choosing the right floss or flossing device:

• Use a floss that does not shred or break.
• Avoid a very thin floss, which can cut the gum if brought down with too much force or not guided along the side of the tooth.
• People who have very tight spaces between their teeth should consider flosses that are made of Gore-Tex. This floss slips easily between tight teeth and will not tear on sharp edges. It does cost slightly more, however.
• A floss threader is an invaluable aid for the person who has bridgework. Made of plastic, it looks like a needle with a huge eye, or loop. A piece of floss is threaded into the loop, which can then be inserted between the bridge and the gum. The floss that is carried through with it can then be used to clean underneath the false tooth or teeth and along the sides of the abutting teeth.
• Another handy device for cleaning under bridges is a Proxabrush. This is a tiny narrow brush that can be worked in between the natural teeth and around the attached false tooth or teeth.
• The Floss Plus easy flosser device is also effective and may make it easier for some people to floss.
• Special toothpicks such as Stim-U-Dent may be effective for wide spaces between teeth but should never replace flossing. Standard toothpicks should never be used for regular hygiene.
• Electronic products such as Oral B Innerclean and the Water Pik Flosser are as effective as manual flossing. These devices are expensive but may improve compliance.