Floss is a length of material that’s bound by many threads to produce a continuous line. It can be covered by a coating such as teflon or wax which makes it easier to slide between the teeth. It can also be infused with an antibacterial agent such as chloroxehidine gluconate to disturb the harmful bacteria lurking beneath our gums. It is an aid to achieving optimum dental health by removing harmful bacteria on a daily basis.
Why You Don't Floss...
There’s a multitude of (generally made-up) reasons. Holding technique, types of floss, ripping tearing, floss gets stuck, bleeding gums, it’s a bit painful, it is bad for the gums, it makes your gums recede, lots of bacteria above and below the gums – can’t get floss in, teeth too close together, too many teeth, can’t get into a routine, big hands, ran out of floss, my dog ate my floss,
the excuses are endless.
the excuses are endless.
Why You Should Floss...
There are “in excess of 700 bacterial species inhabiting the mouth.” (Parahitiyawa NB, Scully C, Leung WK,) Some cause disease and most of these hate oxygen, so they try to hide under the gums and this is why we need to place the floss slightly under the gums. By doing this daily we disturb their environment and introduce oxygen to prevent them getting too comfortable.
Look at flossing like a workout for the gums. The more you do it the healthier and firmer the gums will be.
Don’t forget bad breath too. It has been scientifically proven that 90 per cent of chronic halitosis cases derive from the bacteria and decomposing food in our mouths. There are some 20 different types of bad breath causing bacteria that live in the mouth at all times.
Don’t forget bad breath too. It has been scientifically proven that 90 per cent of chronic halitosis cases derive from the bacteria and decomposing food in our mouths. There are some 20 different types of bad breath causing bacteria that live in the mouth at all times.
How To Floss – The Correct Way
- Take a length of floss from fingers to elbow.
- Wrap floss securely around the middle fingers being sure to leave about six inches of slack between.
- Use thumbs for upper teeth and index fingers for lower teeth.
- When inserting floss between the teeth please be gentle, do not force it, wriggle into place. Wrap in a “C” shape around each side of the tooth surface.
- Wipe up and down, do not use a sawing back and forth action. Work methodically around the mouth start in one place maybe upper left then always finish lower right so you know you have cleaned between every space in the whole mouth.
