How to Floss and Why It’s Important
Our own Dr. Adhikari was recently interviewed on Fox 10 about flossing. Why floss? How to floss the right way? It’s all very important, as she explains:
Is Flossing a Waste of Time?
Dr. Adhikari cautions to read beyond recent headlines claiming flossing your teeth might be a waste of time. It actually has a number of benefits for both your oral and systemic (whole body) health.
Because your toothbrush can only reach three out of five surfaces on your teeth, there tends to be more bleeding and inflammation in the gums when someone doesn’t floss. Flossing is the perfect way to get rid of plaque and reduce gum disease.
Not only can your dentist see whether you floss or not during your oral exams, so can everyone you meet when you flash a smile. Minimize your risk by flossing at least once a day to remove plaque from these hard-to-reach areas. A bonus of doing so is that you’re likely to have fresher breath as a result!
Also of interest is the fact that periodontal disease has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Since regular flossing reduces the incidence of periodontal disease, it may also lessen your odds of developing certain cardiovascular problems.
How to Floss
Flossing properly is easy and only takes a few minutes a day. First, make sure you wrap the floss in a c-shape around the tooth so it makes contact with all the spots your brush can’t reach. Next, gently rub the floss against your tooth in an up-and-down motion, taking care to work your way below the gum line. Repeat this process for every tooth.
What Kind of Floss to Use
Any kind of floss will do the job. However, if your teeth are positioned very tightly together, you may find it easier to do the job well when using a waxed or extra-fine variety. There are also products — such as flossing sticks — available for people who have dexterity challenges. These are particularly handy for those with the combination of larger hands and a small mouth, which can make flossing with traditional products a bit tricky.