The Right Way to Floss
How many times have you heard how important it is to floss on a daily basis? Proper flossing will ensure that food particles trapped next to, or in-between the teeth are dislodged. Brushing alone can be insufficient, as the bristles from the brush sometimes fail to penetrate deep enough to remove all the food.
Which floss do I use?
As for the type of floss you use, there is really no best or worst choice. Your pick should depend primarily on preference (i.e. brand, flavor, etc.) and on the amount of space between your teeth.It's estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans experience dental anxiety and fear so strong that they avoid seeing the dentist, in some cases for decades. This is unfortunate, because people who avoid going to the dentist are oftentimes the ones most in need of dental care.
If there is very little space, you should go with a fine, waxed thread. Wax makes floss more durable, reducing the likelihood of shredding. However, it can leave a slight film on the teeth that can retain plaque. Dental tape, an alternative with greater thickness, works well if sufficient space exists between your teeth. Teflon-coated Glide is highly durable and designed to pass easily between the teeth. It's a particularly good option if you have very little space. It is available in tape or thread forms. As for the flavors, they really do not matter - unless they motivate you to floss.
What's the right way to floss?
Irregular (or improper) flossing may cause your gums to bleed - caused by the inflammation of the gums (gingival tissue), or gingivitis. The proper method, as advocated by the American Dental Association (ADA) is to curve the floss against the side of the tooth and proceed to "wipe" it upwards, from under the gum-line. Do this all the way to the tip two or three times, in a gentle manner.
The key takeaway is that flossing at least once a day is more important than which type of floss you use, and the ADA stands firmly behind this recommendation.
If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.
Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.
