Flossing essentially means to clean in between teeth. It removes plaque and food particles in between teeth, especially in places where the toothbrush cannot reach. It significantly reduces gum disease which is basically bleeding from the gums when done along with tooth brushing.
Method of flossing :
- Cut a piece of floss, 18 – 20 inches long. Wrap the 2 ends around your middle finger or index fingers of both the hands. Slide it in between your teeth and follow the triangle of the gums. This means gently go around the sides of the adjacent teeth till the gums, and shoe shine the both adjacent tooth surfaces. Do not go vertically upwards and downwards. Do not force the floss as it may hurt the gums.
- Manual Tools – prethreaded flosser or floss holder. This helps in flossing for beginners. A string of floss is already tied in between 2 holders which is then used interdentally.
- Electrical Flosser – This is a type of airflossing, which consists of a thin tip, fitting comfortably in between your teeth. This tip then oscillates, thus removing debris/food particles in between teeth.
- Water Flosser – It is helpful for people who have dexterity issues or for when string flossing is difficult. The tip of the water flosser jets out water at high pressure, which when placed in between two teeth, cleans out the food particles in between them. This is particularly effective in hard to reach areas. They come in compact and portable designs, ensuring ease of use. It also helps in easy and effective cleaning around the braces, bridges and crowns.
It is important to floss atleast once or twice a day.
Happy Flossing!!
In case you get excessive bleeding while flossing, which is not reducing or stopping after 3 weeks of use, please visit the dentist.