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Flossing

Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and food debris from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Without flossing around and in between your teeth, bacteria and plaque will flourish and cause decay.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria constantly forming on the tooth surface. Foods that are high in carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as candy, cookies, caramels, bread, crackers, and cereal increase the likelihood of plaque build-up. Decay occurs when plaque remains on your teeth allowing the bacteria to “eat away” (or erode) the surfaces of your teeth. The areas surrounding restored portions of teeth where fillings, onlays, crowns and/or bridges have been placed are particularly vulnerable to decay and a breeding ground for bacteria. These areas should be given special care for brushing and flossing. For proper oral hygiene we recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Flossing generally takes 3 minutes and can be done while doing another activity like watching television or viewing a movie. Please remember that there is no alternative to flossing and in order to ensure healthy teeth and gums it must be done every day.

The inability to remove plaque is a primary factor in periodontal disease. With periodontal disease, your gums may begin to bleed, be red and/or inflamed and irritated, gradually degenerating and often causing gums to pull away from teeth. In the long-term, plaque can lead to serious problems as the bacteria form pockets around tooth structures, eventually destroying the bone beneath the tooth. Regular visits for cleanings and diligent flossing helps eliminate plaque and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.

Types of Floss

One type of dental floss does not work for everyone, and consumers can choose between waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavored, and regular or tape types. In general, waxed floss is known to glide easier between tooth surfaces. Flavored floss leaves a fresh taste in the mouth, and is especially nice for those times when brushing or rinsing is not possible. Tape floss is typically thicker than regular floss and is generally favored by people with wide gaps between their teeth.

Many patients use floss threaders to help clean between teeth when wearing braces, if they have had crowns or bridges, if they are beginners, or if they have dexterity problems. A floss threader allows you to loop floss around a stiff plastic guide to reach under dental work and can be purchased at most pharmacies and retail stores.

Flossing Technique

There are two common methods for flossing—the “spool” method and the “loop” method.

The spool method is the most popular for patients who don’t have problems with stiff joints or fingers and works as follows: Break off approximately 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle finger. Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the middle finger of your other hand. (This finger takes up the floss that has been passed through the mouth) Move the floss between your teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Maneuver the floss up and down several times forming a “C” shape around the tooth. While doing this, make sure you go below the gum line, where bacteria are known to collect heavily.

The loop method is often more effective for children and adults with dexterity problems (arthritis). The loop method works as follows: Take about 18 inches of floss and form it into a circle. Tie it securely with two or three knots. Place all of your fingers (except the thumb) within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through your lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through your upper teeth, going below the gum line and forming a “C” on the side of your tooth.

Please remember that your gums may be tender or even bleed for the first few days. This is normal and will decrease as you continue to floss. If you have bleeding in particular areas, chances are it is because you need to floss more—not less. If you wish to have a demonstration, or wonder if you are flossing effectively please call the office and Dr. Hopgood or his hygienist will be happy to instruct you in the proper technique.

Advanced Dental Concepts
Richard D. Hopgood D.M.D., M.A.G.D.
296 Lowell Street
Andover, MA 01810
Telephone: 978-475-2431
Email: info@andoverdmd.com