Many people think brushing teeth is enough to remove bacteria, plaque, and food particles from overall tooth surface. But it is false because the toothbrush can’t reach the areas between the teeth. Flossing is therefore, very important to remove harmful bacteria, plaque in between your teeth.
The plaque that forms on your teeth is invisible, especially in between teeth. It is a type of growing colony for living food debris, bacteria and saliva. When the plaque in between teeth or above or below gum-line is not removed, it gets hardened and then turns into tartar that leads to tooth decay. First it will inflame and irritate the gums and then slowly destroys the bone.
Also, the bacteria which are present in between the teeth or on the teeth produce acids or toxins by which the teeth get cavities, which inflame and irritate your gums. This situation is the beginning stage of periodontal diseases.
There are different types of dental floss available in the market including dental tape, regular floss and super floss, also the floss holders are available in plastic as well as in metal, in a shape of bow that makes flossing very manageable.
Properly Flossing:
For proper flossing, first you need to take 30 to 40 cm or 12 to 15 or 16 inches of dental floss. Wrap it around your middle finger, by leaving about the two inches of floss in between the hands.
Then hold the floss between the forefinger and thumb of your each hand. When you start using the floss it should be taut, gently guide the floss to the point between the teeth. When the floss is in between the teeth, you have to curve the floss tightly against on one tooth surface and then rub it in up and down direction for few times. Here, the each stroke should be from gum underline to the point between the teeth. It should be repeated for surface of each tooth between all the teeth.
If you feel difficult in holding the conventional floss, get floss holders as they are very easy to use. If you don’t have idea on how to floss, but you are trying to floss then the sharp downward thrust of the floss may damage your gum which leads to bleeding of gums. Be careful while flossing your teeth not to cut your gums with the floss. If you don’t know how to floss properly, it is better to visit your nearest dentist; they will show how to floss properly and ask which floss is better to you and choose the best suitable floss.
By flossing your teeth, the plaque, dental debris and food particles are removed from the space between the teeth, which helps prevent the bad breath, tooth decay and periodontal or gum diseases.