Oral cleanliness is often overlooked. Apart from brushing, many people don't know how to floss or properly care for their mouths. According to the Oral Health Platform in Europe, over 50% of the population may suffer from some form of periodontitis, with more than 10% experiencing severe cases. This is mainly due to poor oral care, including the lack of flossing. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about flossing.
Why Flossing Is Important?
Flossing is important as it reaches the tight spaces between teeth and along the gum line, where brushing alone usually misses. Plaque tends to build up in these areas, which can lead to gum issues and tooth decay over time.
Regular flossing helps prevent gum diseases, cavities, and bad breath. In fact, a study involving 100 people revealed that those who flossed along with brushing had less gum inflammation and plaque buildup than those who only brushed.
Steps on How to Floss Properly
It is very important that you know how to floss properly to see positive results. Here are some simple steps to help you floss the right way:
Preparing to Floss
You should start by taking about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around one middle finger, leaving a small section to work with, and wind the rest around your middle finger. This will give you a fresh part of the floss for each tooth you floss.
Flossing Procedure
When you are comfortable with the amount of floss in your hand, hold it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. Carefully guide it between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion, and make sure not to snap it into your gums.
Curve the floss into a C shape around the tooth and move it up and down. This procedure will help you clean below the gumline and along the tooth’s surface.
Disposing of the Floss
After flossing, discard the used floss as it contains bacteria and food debris. It is best to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing to remove any loosened particles and freshen your breath.
How to Floss Correctly With Braces
For people with braces, keeping their teeth clean is even more important, as research shows that plaque buildup can be 2 to 3 times higher than that of people without braces. This happens because braces provide extra space for plaque to collect, which is why flossing is necessary to avoid gum disease and cavities.
To floss with braces, you should use a floss threader to direct the floss under the wires. When flossing the top teeth, shape the floss into a “U” around the wire for more control. Then, as done without braces, just move the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth and under the gumline. Once done, carefully pull the floss to the side instead of snapping it to avoid wire breakage.
Different Types of Floss
Now that you know how to floss, you might be wondering which type of floss is best for you. There are various options available; some of the popular types of dental floss include:
Traditional Floss
Traditional floss is the most common type of floss made from nylon and comes in waxed and unwaxed forms. It works well for people with regular spacing between their teeth and effectively removes plaque. However, this type of floss breaks easily if your teeth do not have gaps.
Floss Picks
Dental floss picks are a good alternative compared to traditional floss. They have a small handle with a piece of floss already attached to it, making flossing quite easy, especially for those who find traditional floss difficult and need a quick, hassle-free option.
At Oclean, we offer a range of high-quality dental floss picks for you to choose from. These picks are designed for comfort, making flossing simple and effective. Our compact packing, starting at just 5.99 euros for 50 to 60 pieces, makes them not only affordable but also easy to carry for use anytime, anywhere.
Water Flossers
Dental water flossers are one of the best flossing options, especially for people with braces, implants, or sensitive gums. Research has proven that water flossers are more effective than traditional floss in reducing plaque. They work by using a pulsating stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line.
Oclean Water Flossers are budget-friendly and come with great features for proper oral cleanliness. The Oclean W10 water flosser has 5 cleaning modes, 1400 pulses per minute, and long-lasting battery life for daily care. It also includes a 200 ml removable water tank and is fully waterproof for extra convenience.
The Oclean W1 portable water flosser uses air and water for more effective cleaning. It has 7 intensity levels and 140 Kpa water pressure. Its lightweight design and included travel case make it easy to take anywhere.
Tips on Flossing for Better Results
Flossing may seem straightforward, but there are still many questions that you might be unaware of. While you now know how to floss, it is also important to be aware of some extra tips that can help improve your results.
Best Time to Floss
The next important thing after knowing how to floss is the ideal time to do it. The best time to floss is either in the morning or before bed. One thing you should keep in mind is that flossing at night is more effective as it removes food particles and plaque accumulated throughout the day. However, flossing in the morning can also help refresh your mouth. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide when it fits best into your routine.
How Often to Floss
Floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene. If you have braces or any other orthodontic device, you might need to floss more than once to thoroughly clean it and remove the plaque buildup.
Flossing Before or After Brushing
Flossing before or after brushing is a commonly debated topic. While some argue that order does not matter, many dentists recommend flossing before brushing for better results. A study involving 25 dental students found that flossing first is more effective in reducing interdental plaque and increasing fluoride concentration in those areas.
Flossing first helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth, making it easier for the fluoride from your toothpaste to reach those areas and provide better protection.
Flossing With Sensitive Gums
Flossing sensitive gums requires extra care. If your gums bleed or feel sore, use gentle techniques. Choose softer floss or a water flosser, as they can be gentler on your gums and remove plaques without harming them.
Regular gentle flossing will improve your gum health over time and reduce any sensitivity you experience. If bleeding from gums still continues, you should avoid flossing and consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Flossing for Kids
Flossing is equally important for children as it is for adults. A study revealed that only 2 to 17% of 11-year-old European children floss daily. Parents should start flossing their child's teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch. For younger children, parents should assist with flossing until they can do it on their own, typically around 8 to 9 years old.
It is best to use children-friendly flossers like dental floss picks or water flossers, as they can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Once kids make flossing a part of their routines, they will most likely avoid cavities and gum diseases as they grow.
Conclusion
Now that you have read this article, you should feel confident in how to floss properly and have answers to any flossing-related questions. It’s best that you start flossing today to prevent any future oral health problems. Check out your favorite Oclean flosser, and feel free to contact us if you have any additional queries.
