Dental floss is a thin cord used for cleaning between teeth and below the gum line. It dislodges food particles and plaque (a clear, sticky coating of bacteria on teeth) from areas a toothbrush might miss. Flossing reduces the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay.
Which dental floss is right for you?
Understanding the types of dental floss empowers individuals to select the one that aligns with their preferences, and oral health requirements. It is recommended to experiment and find a type of floss that is comfortable and easy to use. The broad categories of dental floss are:
Monofilaments (single strand) and multifilaments (several twisted strands)
Waxed (petroleum-based, candelilla wax) and unwaxed
Synthetic (nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene) and natural (silk)
Flavored (mint) and unflavored
How to floss?
A correct flossing technique ensures thorough cleaning without causing damage to gums or dental appliances.
Spool method: This involves wrapping an 18-inch floss around the middle fingers, moving in an up-and-down motion between teeth using the index finger and thumb, forming a C shape on the side of each tooth.
Loop method: It begins by securely tying an 18-inch floss in a circle, with all fingers positioned within the loop, excluding the thumb. The floss is guided using index fingers for lower teeth and thumbs for the upper teeth, to form a C shape on the side of each tooth. A floss strand should be used only once and discarded after use.
Properly flossing your teeth can help prevent infection and inflammation in the dental pulp by keeping bacteria and debris from accumulating between your teeth. This contributes to a healthy environment for your teeth, preventing cavities.
Dr. R. Shirley, MDS, Consultant Endodontist, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
When is the best time to floss?
American Dental Association highlights the following insights on flossing:
1. Flossing once in 24 hours is recommended based on your schedule—before bedtime, after meals, or in the morning.
2. The order of brushing or flossing is flexible; some prioritize flossing before brushing, while others start with brushing.
Flossing is crucial for reaching areas between wires and brackets during orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances create spaces prone to plaque accumulation, highlighting the essential need for regular flossing. Specialized products like threaders or super floss ensure thorough cleaning around braces and wires.
Dr. Mahalakshmi, BDS, FDS (Orthodontics), Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India.
Is flossing worth it?
Few studies show that flossers showed less periodontal disease, fewer dental caries, and loss of fewer teeth. While there is debate on the benefits of flossing, it is still recommended as part of daily oral care. Studies indicate that a significant portion of the population neglects regular flossing, often due to misconceptions about its importance or difficulties in establishing the habit.
In conclusion, dental floss is a valuable tool for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health, at a low cost. Its role in preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath cannot be overstated. Regular flossing, combined with proper brushing and routine dental check-ups, forms a comprehensive approach to oral care.
References
Stavrakis AK, Kojić S, Petrović B, Nešković I, Stojanović GM. Performance Evaluation of Dental Flosses Pre- and Post-Utilization. Materials (Basel). 2022 Feb 18;15(4):1522. doi: 10.3390/ma15041522. PMID: 35208062; PMCID: PMC8879268.
https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/floss/
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
Marchesan JT, Byrd KM, Moss K, Preisser JS, Morelli T, Zandona AF, Jiao Y, Beck J. Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults. J Dent Res. 2020 Aug;99(9):1047-1053. doi: 10.1177/0022034520916151. Epub 2020 Apr 22. PMID: 32321349; PMCID: PMC7375740
Fleming EB, Nguyen D, Afful J, Carroll MD, Woods PD. Prevalence of daily flossing among adults by selected risk factors for periodontal disease-United States, 2011-2014. J Periodontol. 2018 Aug;89(8):933-939. doi: 10.1002/JPER.17-0572. PMID: 29644699; PMCID: PMC6434526.
(By Dr. Nirainila Joseph)
