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Here are a few tips on the correct flossing technique

Isreal Olabanji DST, RNUpdated:
4 Step by step guide to teeth flossing
Flossing is extremely effective for cleaning in-between areas of the teeth that is interproximal surfaces, They can be used on either open or full embrasure spaces. Both floss and tape come in waxed or unwaxed. If used correctly, dental floss and tape can remove bacterial plaque and food debris from in-between areas of the teeth.
 Different types of dental floss are available such as regular floss, anti-bacterial floss, dental tape, and super floss. Floss is also available in a plastic holder, in the shape of a bow. It forms the string of the bow and it makes flossing very manageable.

Flossing day by day is very important to maintain proper oral hygiene and overall health. Because it will not only help you in preventing the formation of tartar or harmful bad breath but it will also protect your gums in the long run.

Apart from this, flossing can lower the risk for certain medical conditions, as various medical research have proven otherwise and show a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which is among the leading causes of death in the United States.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to floss your teeth properly, in just four easy steps!

Step 1: Wind the floss around your middle fingers

First, wrap around 10-15 inches of floss around each of your middle fingers (regardless of brand). Pinch the floss between your thumbs and index fingers leaving 1-2 inches in between.
You can use your thumbs to direct the floss between the upper teeth and the index fingers to direct the floss between the bottom teeth.

Step 2: Start flossing in a sawing-like motion

After you have fully prepared the dental floss, the second step is to gently floss between all of your teeth using a sawing-like motion. The floss must be slowly pulled in a V-shape, and you must apply the right amount of pressure, just to be sure all the food particles are removed from between your teeth. Try to bend the floss towards the front and back teeth (c-shape) in order to clean both tooth surfaces and not only the periodontal pocket.

 

Don’t try to force the floss in if your teeth contact is too tight and you cannot manage to get the dental floss through. Do not break the floss in the process of forcing it, because it may injure your gums and cause swelling and bleeding for days.

However, you may notice slight bleeding because you have sensitive gums or incipient periodontal disease. It normal do not fear.

Step 3: Gradually unroll some clean floss

After cleaning one tooth, you must unroll clean floss with your fingers as you move on to the other ones.

It is highly recommended to floss carefully below the gum line, as this is where the plaque forms and you cannot reach that tooth surface with a toothbrush.

Correct flossing involves cleaning the entire surface of your teeth, not just the spaces between them. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the backside of your last tooth.

Because the food particles that are attached to the teeth are responsible for tartar that build up the formation of plaque which can cause bad breath.

Step 4: Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash

Once you’re finished, it is highly important you rinse with antibacterial mouthwash because it gets rid of the germs and food particles you have just dislodged. Some mouthwashes contain ingredients that reduce the level of plaque formation to the tooth surface.

When done, throw the floss away. And don’t think of using the floss again because it is less effective and could leave bacteria behind in your mouth.

Ask your dentist about what types of dental floss will be most effective and other oral care products you can use. Make sure you check if your oral care products contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance to confirm you are using safety and effectiveness products.

More on Flossing

References

 

  • College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and others. Retrieved 13 Sep 2018.
  • “How to Floss”. Flossing Techniques-Flossing Teeth Effectively. Colgate. 2015. Retrieved 13 Sep 2018.
  • Bauroth K, Charles CH, Mankodi SM, Simmons BS, Zhao Q, Kumar LD (2003). “The efficacy of an essential oil antiseptic mouth rinse vs. dental floss in controlling interproximal gingivitis”. Journal of the American Dental Association.
  • American Dental Association, “Floss and Other Interdental Cleaners”. Accessed 13 Sep 2018.
  •  American Dental Association, “Bad Breath (Halitosis)”. Accessed 13 November 2018.

 

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Editorial Policy: HealthSoothe is dedicated to providing evidence-based, actionable wellness content. Every piece of content or review on our platform is cross-referenced with peer-reviewed medical journals and verified by certified healthcare professionals before publication.

Written by: Isreal Olabanji, certified Dental Nurse (DST, RN).

This article cannot diagnose your problem. A dentist needs to examine you. If you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency department right away.

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Isreal Olabanji is a certified Dental Nurse (DST, RN) in Nigeria with a background in pharmacy, anatomy, and physiology. His hands-on clinical experience includes pharmacy and family planning services at the 32 Artillery Brigade clinic, Owena Cantonment, Akure (2012), dental surgery assistance at the State Specialist Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure (2013) and the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko (2014), and work as a dental assistant at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo (2016). Drawing on this experience in patient care, oral health education, public health, and dental instruments, he writes evidence-based dental and oral health content for readers in Nigeria, the United States, and beyond. Follow Isreal on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.

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1 Comment

  1. naila naz on

    Great post I wo d like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article.