Some Simple Facts About Flossing

Most people brush their teeth at least once a day, but using dental floss to prevent gingivitis is something that many often overlook as part of their daily routine. However dentists recommend flossing almost as much as they do brushing because it removes particles of food and plaque build up that the bristles of a toothbrush simply cannot reach.

Gingivitis is very easy to spot. Take some floss and gently start flossing. If the gums start to bleed, it’s likely that you have gingivitis. Later stages of gum disease include noticeable gum recession around the teeth, which can lead to cavities and eventually tooth loss.

The history of floss

Dental floss was invented in 1815 by a New Orleans dentist but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that it became widely available to the public. It took another half century until it started to become more popular, when dental floss switched from being made from silk to a nylon material that held up better.

Today there are many options for flossing, including hand-held flossing picks that consist of a plastic wand with a small piece of dental floss on the end that are designed to better access molars and other hard-to-reach teeth. There are also “power flossers” which are battery powered and use vibration to help work the floss down between teeth and loosen potential debris. Cuts are less likely using this method, but it is not required to get a good cleaning from floss.

Why floss?

Even with so many options for flossing, many studies show that less than half of all Americans regularly floss their teeth. Using dental floss doesn’t just prevent gum disease, it all prevents bad breath — halitosis — and dental caries. An Italian study also showed that regular flossing can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and bacteria. Flossing has been linked to longer life, as well.

How to floss

Believe it or not, there is a right way to use dental floss and a wrong way. The correct way is simple. Take about 18 inches of floss and wind it around each of your middle fingers. Hold the floss between your thumb and forefingers and gently work it in between your teeth, then curve the floss around your teeth, making a “C” shape.

Now gently rub the floss up and down the tooth, being careful to avoid snapping or jerking it. Repeat this procedure until all of your teeth are clean. If you have trouble reaching the back teeth, consider using a flossing pick.

Robert Seitzinger is a dental copy writer for Beadnell Family Dentistry, a dentist in Hillsdale Portland. Learn more about flossing tips by visiting the blog for this Portland dentist.

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