The Truth about Dental Floss Use
Do you floss every day?
Our dentist always advises us to do this, but how many of us do it?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted a survey of dental floss habits among US citizens. According to survey results, it is estimated that fewer than 30% of Americans use dental floss every day, and women 31-44 are most likely to use dental floss.
When dental floss is not used often, the gums will become redder, and they tend to bleed during operation, which is like what we call “soft” when touched. These are signs of inflammation, usually caused by bacteria staying around the teeth and gums for a long time.
Flossing your teeth is very important to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent the growth of oral bacteria. The bacteria can cause further oral hygiene problems such as dental caries and gum disease.
Not only is flossing important, you should consider how to use it. “The correct way to use dental floss is to gently insert the dental floss between the teeth, then bend the dental floss into a C shape, and gently move it up and down a few times to remove tartar.” Never floss between the teeth , Because this can irritate or damage the gums and cause gums to bleed.
Flossing should be part of everyone’s daily life.
Should children use dental floss?
Don’t forget, children also need to keep their teeth clean. Once your child has two teeth in contact with each other, they need to start cleaning the teeth. Before the age of 10 or 11, children usually cannot clean their teeth alone. Parents are advised to help their children clean and teach them.
Flossing usually doesn’t cause any pain. If you find it too difficult, ask your dental clinic for help and learning. When flossing, if the force is too light, it is difficult to remove the residue; if the force is too large, the gums may be damaged. It is normal to feel a little uncomfortable when using dental floss in the early stage. Don’t give up floss because it is difficult to use.
5 easy steps to learn to use dental floss
Floss should be used at least once a day, but not everyone knows the correct way. If you cannot easily use dental floss, you can refer to using a bridge guide.
Here are five steps to teach you how to use dental floss easily and correctly:
- Take a 15-20 cm section of dental floss. Wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the remaining floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
Steps of using dental floss: Both ends of the dental floss are wrapped around the middle fingers of the left and right hands.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch a floss segment about 2-3 cm long.
Steps of using dental floss: Hold your floss with your index finger and thumb, leaving a section in the middle.
- Use a gentle, left-right rubbing motion to slowly slide the floss between your teeth. Do not force the floss into your gums with excessive force.
Steps of using dental floss: gently rub the dental floss into the gap between the teeth.
- When the floss reaches the gum line, bend it into a “C” shape against a tooth, and gently slide it into the deepest part of the gingival sulcus, and pull down on the side of a tooth. After finishing one side, close the other tooth next to the adjacent side and repeat the upward and downward movements.
Steps of using dental floss: The dental floss is bent into a C-shape and rubbed up and down on the side of the tooth.
- Repeat this method for the remaining teeth. The used dental floss is full of bacteria. It is recommended to replace another dental floss and clean the adjacent surfaces of the next two teeth. Note: Don’t forget to rub the back of the last tooth.
Steps of using dental floss: Don’t forget to rub the back of the innermost big tooth.
Once the above action is completed, the dental floss must be thrown away. Do not reuse it to avoid bringing bacteria into the mouth again.
