How do I use dental floss?
Tooth decay and gum disease often begin in the area between the teeth. It is true that brushing the teeth is very important, but the bristles of the toothbrush fail to reach the bacteria and plaque accumulated between the teeth. That's why dentists recommend flossing once a day before bed.
When I use dental floss, I find that I hurt myself, how can I avoid this:
If you have recently started flossing, it is normal for your gums to bleed. After using the thread daily for a week, you will find that the bleeding has stopped. And you will find yourself in the right direction towards healthy teeth and gums.
What is the correct way to use the dental floss?
The correct method of flossing removes plaque and food particles from places that are difficult for a toothbrush to reach at the gum line or between the teeth. Because the accumulation of plaque in the mouth leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, it is recommended to use dental floss daily for its effective role in cleaning teeth.
To get the most out of dental flossing, you should follow these techniques:
- Start the process of flossing your teeth using a 25-30 cm long floss, then fold the floss around your two middle fingers, leaving about 5 cm of floss to brush with.
- Hold the floss taut between your thumb and forefinger and gently move the floss back and forth between the teeth.
- Then bend the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure the floss reaches the gum line. And be careful not to clench your jaws while flossing, as this may lead to cutting or scratching the delicate gum tissue.
- When you move to clean another area between your teeth, you should make sure to replace the previously used part of the floss with a clean one.
- When you're done brushing, use the same back-and-forth motions to get the floss out from between the teeth.
What type of dental floss should I use?
There are two types of dental floss to choose from:
- Nylon (multi-strand) twine: These are available waxed and unwaxed and in different flavors. Since it is composed of several nylon threads, it sometimes tears or breaks quickly, especially between narrow tooth areas.
- PTFE floss (single thread): It is more expensive than nylon floss, and it is easy to use and move it between the teeth, even between narrow dental areas, as it is very practical and resistant to tearing.
In general, using either type in the correct way to brush your teeth will help you remove plaque and food residue from between the teeth.
And remember:
- Use 30 cm of dental floss, leaving 5 cm to be used for cleaning.
- Trace the curves of your teeth and brush gently.
- Brush the areas on the border of the gums and avoid closing your mouth while doing this.
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