Brushing and flossing are the most important things to protect the mouth and the health of the teeth. Some people think that brushing once a day is enough to clean teeth and remove plaque. But this is a wrong assumption, because the toothbrush cannot clean the entire mouth and teeth alone. It is the dental floss that removes the plaque and particles stuck in the teeth and keeps the gums healthy. If you know the correct way to floss, you will be safe from gum disease and tooth decay forever.
When to use dental floss? Flossing before or after brushing
Dentists recommend that people should brush their teeth twice a day after meals. But there is no specific time to use dental floss; In other words, you can floss at any suitable time.
But in general, it is better to use dental floss after having a meal and cleaning the teeth with a toothbrush. Because when brushing the teeth with toothpaste, the toothbrush will clean most of the surface of the teeth and will not reach their corners. In such a situation, there will be a possibility of detergent and food particles remaining between the teeth. So, to maintain the health of the gums and prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth, use dental floss daily and regularly.
The correct method of flossing
Regular flossing is not enough, the correct way of flossing is also important. Because improper use of dental floss can lead to bleeding gums and pain in the teeth. So, if you are looking for the correct way to floss, stay with us.
- Cut about 45 cm from the floss; By using a long thread, you will easily control the cleaning process between the teeth.
- Take the end of the thread and wrap about two thirds of the thread around your middle finger. Wrapping the thread around the middle finger leaves the index finger free to move and control the thread. Wrap the other end of the thread around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Now you have to hold about 2 to 5 cm of thread between your index and thumb fingers. You use this part of the floss to clean your teeth.
- Start from the two front teeth of the top row and slowly move the floss between the teeth. The movement of the thread between the teeth should not be sudden and intense because otherwise there will be a possibility of gum bleeding. You should move the floss between the teeth in a C shape.
- After cleaning the desired area, you should wrap the used part of the floss around your finger. If you pull the used floss again between the other teeth, your work will not be useful.
- With a zigzag movement, gently stretch the floss from top to bottom, between the teeth and even clean their backs. Don’t forget the back teeth; Food particles remain on the grooves and ridges of the back teeth and cause decay and dental caries. Slowly take the floss between the last molars and pull both ends of the floss toward you.
Introducing dental floss for orthodontics
Many people think that it is not possible to use dental floss with fixed orthodontics. At the same time, dental hygiene is of double importance for people who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Because orthodontic brackets and wires provide very suitable conditions for the growth of bacteria and ultimately tooth decay.
As long as you have orthodontic brackets on your teeth, you should brush and floss your teeth after every meal and 3 times a day. After starting the orthodontic course, consult your doctor to choose among the types of orthodontic dental floss. Cross off regular floss from your selection list, as they are unwaxed and will get stuck between brackets and orthodontic wires during use. Currently, the best-selling type of dental floss for orthodontics is superfloss dental floss, which we will explain how to use in the following.
How to floss orthodontic teeth; How to use orthodontic floss
Superflos orthodontic floss consists of three different parts. The beginning part of superfloss dental floss is plastic and needle-shaped, and the end part is similar to regular dental floss. Its middle part is also spongy. To use this dental floss, you must carefully pass the beginning of the thread (needle-shaped thread) through the area between the teeth; Now take the two ends of the thread and slowly move it between your teeth in a zigzag pattern; The middle part of the floss with its spongy state simply moves between the teeth and cleans them.
Oral B Super Floss dental floss
Metal brackets on the teeth during orthodontics prevent the toothbrush from reaching the place between the teeth. In this case, you can ensure the complete cleaning of the teeth by just pulling the dental floss. Maybe in the past it was very difficult for people to do this with ordinary threads; But now, with Oral B orthodontic dental floss, the interdental space is easily cleaned. Oral B Super Floss dental floss contains 50 strands of thin floss and is considered an excellent choice for orthodontic teeth.
Why should we use dental floss?
Maintaining oral and dental hygiene is not only limited to using a toothbrush, but also includes flossing. By knowing the correct way to floss, you will save teeth from plaque and decay. Along with brushing and flossing regularly, visit the dentist at least twice a year for a checkup. If you still have questions about how to use dental floss, we will be happy to share them with us in the comments section.