Flossing Techniques and Dental Care Tips

No matter how hard the bristles or aggressive the technique, toothbrushing alone will not clean between the teeth.

The solution? An ideal dental hygiene practice must include dental floss, soft toothbrushing after every meal (at least twice a day), and regular professional care.

There is an old saying in dentistry: “It isn't necessary to floss all of your teeth -- only the ones you want to save.”

Flossing Secrets

If you were to toss out your toothbrush and floss properly once or twice every day, you will achieve better dental health than brushing alone three, four or ten times a day.

Learning the art of dental flossing takes time and patience. There is no substitute for on hand professional guidance. Some dentists charge patients for flossing lessons -- it will prove to be the best dental health expenditure you ever make.

The choice of dental floss depends on many factors. A lightly waxed floss is suitable for most people. If you find that floss shreds between the teeth, try waxed floss. If you have difficulty introducing the floss through the teeth, use a coated floss, such as Glide®.

1. Wind 18" of floss around your two index or middle fingers or thumbs. Find the combination most comfortable to you.

2. Gently guide the floss between teeth, removing plaque and debris by moving the floss up and down against each tooth. Carefully avoid the triangular papilla between the teeth.

3. Floss the back teeth in the same manner, using a fresh section of floss, as you move from tooth to tooth.

Dental Floss Substitutes

There are several alternatives to traditional dental floss. Each choice is suitable, but not as good as flossing.

- Oral irrigating devices offer convenience and ease of use. They are especially valuable for patients who have fixed bridgework, orthodontic braces, or experience difficulty using the manual floss technique.

- Floss holders may be easier to maneuver and just as effective as conventional flossing, if used properly.

- Floss threaders are especially suitable for introducing floss under fixed bridges.

- Patients who floss and brush regularly, but still sense a bad taste or odor in the mouth, should try a tongue scraper to remove debris and plaque from the rough surface of the tongue.