The Dental floss is an important technique for oral hygiene, as it removes plaque and decaying food remaining between the teeth. This food decay and plaque can cause irritation to the teeth and gums, leads to bleeding of the gum and acidic foods left on the teeth can also demineralise teeth and leading to cavities.

Flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where toothbrush cannot easily reach like under the gumline and the gap between tooth. Flossing is a method where we use a wire like material to swipe between the two ends of teeth. Usually we use nylon or PTFE floss. Flossing for a proper dental care is recommended at least once per day, usually before brushing so fluoride present in brushes can easily remineralise the teeth by having better access between teeth.

What is the Right Way to Floss ?

Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following proper technique :

• Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with
• Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth
• Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue
• Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
• To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth