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How should I floss?
How long does it take for flossing to start paying
off?
My gums bleed when I floss; should I stop when this
happens?
I've never cleaned in between my teeth before; is
it too late to start?
What kind of floss is best?
Are there flosses for special conditions?
My teeth have wide gaps between them; do I still have
to floss?
Are there other methods of cleaning in between?
When should children start flossing? |
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It is important to clean in between your teeth daily because it
is a front-line of defence in preventing gum disease and bad breath,
and can play a role in preventing tooth decay too. It allows you
to get to the areas beyond the reach of your toothbrush.
Using dental floss daily is one of the common ways to clean between
your teeth.
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How should I floss?
Step 1:
Take about 18 inches (50cm) of floss and loosely
wrap most of it around each middle finger (wrapping more
around one finger than the other) leaving 2 inches (5cm)
of floss in between.
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Step 2:
With your thumbs and index fingers holding the
floss taut, gently slide it down between your teeth, while
being careful not to snap it down on your gums.
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Step 3:
Curve the floss around each tooth in a "C"
shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth,
including under the gumline. Unroll a new section of floss
as you move from tooth to tooth.
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At first, flossing might feel awkward. But stick with it! With
just a little patience and practice, it will begin to feel as
natural as brushing your teeth.
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How long does it take for flossing to start paying off?
The fact is, flossing provides unmistakable benefits that start
from day one. After flossing, your teeth and gums feel cleaner because
the floss reaches areas your toothbrush can't. Your breath will
be fresher, and the health of your gums will improve. So, if your
dental floss is gathering dust on the bathroom shelf, why not pick
it up and try again? Even if it feels awkward at first, keep practicing.
Pretty soon, you'll feel the difference and find that it becomes
part of your daily routine.
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My gums bleed when I floss;
should I stop when this happens?
It is quite common for your gums to bleed when you first start flossing.
It may be a sign that you have some form of gum disease. After a
few days of flossing, the bleeding should stop as your gums become
healthier. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist.
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I've never cleaned in between my teeth before; is it too late to
start?
It's never too late. Whatever your age, interdental cleaning provides
major benefits to your teeth and gums that you'll notice right away
so the sooner you start, the better.
Interdental cleaning makes your teeth and gums feel clean because
it reaches areas a toothbrush can't reach. It also keeps your breath
fresh and, more importantly, it can stop gum disease in its tracks.
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What kind of floss is best?
While there are a number of different kinds of floss, they are
all designed to reach between the teeth and below the gumline
to remove plaque. The most important factor is finding a floss
that is comfortable and easy for you to use.
Some Oral-B flosses like Satin Floss®,
are designed to be easier to use. It is shred-resistant and slides
smoothly between the teeth. Oral-B's Satinfloss also provides
a fresh burst of mint flavor when you use it, which creates a
wonderfully fresh, clean feeling in your mouth. Oral-B Hummingbird® is another option that makes flossing easier and less messy. With a simple push of the button, Hummingbird gently vibrates so it feels amazing and gives you unmistakable benefits from day one.
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If you have trouble holding or using floss, you may want to try
a dental flossette. It eliminates the need to wrap and guide the
floss between the teeth with the fingers, and can give you better
control. Once the flossette is inserted between the teeth, use the
same method of flossing as above. Flossettes are often easier for
children to use as they start to learn how to floss their own teeth.
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Are there flosses for special conditions?
If you have braces or restorative dental work (such as a bridge)
that interferes with normal flossing, you may want to try a threading
floss. Oral-B
SuperFloss® is unique because it has three sections in each
strand: a stiffened end that allows it to be threaded in between
your teeth, around braces, or under bridgework; a spongy floss,
to clean in wide spaces, and a regular floss for cleaning natural
teeth, and under the gumline. Toothpaste, fluoride or an antibacterial
agent can be used on the spongy floss section.
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My teeth have wide gaps between them; do I still have to floss?
Even if you have widely spaced teeth, plaque still forms between
them and below the gumline-areas your brush can't reach. In addition
to flossing, your dentist or hygienist may also recommend using
an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has a very small tapered
or cylindrical head with fine bristles, ideal for removing plaque
between wider-spaced teeth.
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Are there other methods of cleaning in between?
In addition to floss, there are other products designed for cleaning
between your teeth. Ask your dentist or hygienist to help you
determine which products are best for you. Their recommendation
will be influenced by a number of factors:
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The amount of space between
each of your teeth |
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The presence of orthodontic
braces or restorations, like a bridge |
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The presence of implants
or if you are recovering from gum surgery |
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The relative ease with which
you use dental floss |
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Interdental brushes
If you have widely spaced teeth, braces, bridges, or implants, you
may benefit from an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has
a very small tapered or cylindrical head with fine bristles.
The Oral-B interdental brush kit comes with a handle and two disposable brushheads
- you just need to replace the brushhead when the bristles show
wear. Also available, for patients with sensitivity, is the soft
foam brushhead that provides a very gentle interdental cleaning
sensation.
And for cleaning between your teeth when you are on the move,
the Oral-B compact interdental brush (with travel cap) is an ideal
size for your purse or pocket.
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Interspace brushheads (for power toothbrushes)
You can use the Interspace
brushhead to clean between teeth. This brushhead fits all Oral-B
models.
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Irrigators
These, like the Oral-B ProfessionalCare
7900 OxyJet® center, use a pressurized stream of water to
help clean around the gumline. The OxyJet also has adjustable settings
for use on sensitive areas and has a water tower large enough to
clean the whole mouth. As an alternative to water, the OxyJet can
also be used with mouthrinse.
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When should children start flossing?
Consult your dentist, but a good rule of thumb is when two teeth
touch. This usually happens first with the back teeth. To begin
with, you will have to floss their teeth for them, but they will
eventually need to learn to do it for themselves.
Using a dental flossette may help you
and your child get used to flossing. You should continue to supervise
flossing until your children are able to do a thorough job on
their own.
For more information on children's
oral care, refer to the section which is dedicated to helping
you care for your child's teeth and gums.
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