Flosses
And Waterpicks
Plaque is
a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth,
including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum
disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your
teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of
your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpicks,
but floss is the best choice.
Should
I floss?
Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in
between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Floss
is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important
than the toothbrush. Many people just don't spend enough time flossing
or brushing and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly.
When you visit your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown.
Why
should I floss?
Flossing is the one most important step in oral care that people forget
to do or claim they don't have time for. By flossing your teeth daily,
you increase the chances of keeping your teeth a lifetime and decrease
your chance of having periodontal or gum disease. Flossing cleans away
the plaque from between your teeth, decreases the chance of interproximal
decay and increases blood circulation in the gums.
Which
type of floss should I use?
Dental floss comes in many forms: waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored,
wide and regular. Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for people
with a lot of bridgework. Tapes are usually recommended when the spaces
between teeth are wide. They all clean and remove plaque about the same.
Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations.
However, the unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let you know your
teeth are clean. Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular
unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.
How
should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method.
The spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity. Take an 18-inch
piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle
finger. (Don't cut off your finger's circulation!) Wind the rest of the
floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger
takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Maneuver the floss
between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Don't pull it down hard
against your gums or you will hurt them. Don't rub it side to side as
if you're shining shoes. Bring the floss up and down several times forming
a "C" shape around the tooth being sure to go below the gum
line. The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble
hands, poor muscular coordination or arthritis. Take an 18-inch piece
of floss and make it into a circle. Tie it securely with three knots.
Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your
index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your
thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gumline
forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.
How
often should I floss?
At least once a day. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least
two or three minutes.
What
are floss holders?
You may prefer a prethreaded flosser or floss holder, which often looks
like a little hacksaw. Flossers are handy for people with limited dexterity,
for those who are just beginning to floss, or for caretakers who are flossing
someone else's teeth.
Is
it safe to use toothpicks?
In a pinch, toothpicks are effective at removing food between teeth, but
for daily cleaning of plaque between teeth, floss is recommended. Toothpicks
come round and flat, narrow and thick. When you use a toothpick, don't
press too hard as you can break off the end and lodge it in your gums.
Do
I need a waterpick (irrigating device)?
Don't use waterpicks as a substitute for toothbrushing and flossing. But
they are effective around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas
a toothbrush cannot reach. However, they do not remove plaque. Waterpicks
are frequently recommended for persons with gum disease when recommended
by your dentist. Solutions containing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine
or tetracycline, available through a dentist's prescription, can be added
to the reservoir.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACT:
Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org
or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or
media@agd.org.
NOTE: Information
that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD
Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily
reflect the endorsement of the AGD.
The Academy
of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000
general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through
continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for
patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment,
management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral
health needs.
|
