Despite ongoing press attention that there isn’t any evidence, that flossing significantly improves gum health, we strongly advise you to continue to floss! One of the key points in the media is that there is no evidence. This is because there haven’t been any significant studies!
However, we in the dental profession witness on a daily basis the difference flossing or any form of interdental cleaning in a person’s oral health.
Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach like under the gum line and in-between your teeth. Not flossing is thought to be the equivalent of not brushing your teeth for 2 full days a week! It’s important because plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing or interdental cleaning is highly recommended if you want to keep your teeth for the rest of your life.
How to floss?
Starting with about half a metre of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving about 3-4cm 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 a C shape, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue, after each tooth roll the dirty floss on to the finger and move on to the next tooth using a clean section of floss. Continue to do this as you move from tooth to tooth until you have done all of the teeth. It’s quite likely that your gums may bleed during the early stages of flossing. Don’t let this deter you! This is a sign that you should definitely floss and any bleeding should resolve after 3-4 days.
If you find flossing too fiddly or suffer a medical condition such as Parkinson’s or arthritis you may find flossing just too tricky. However, this shouldn’t deter you from seeking alternative ways to clean in between your teeth.
There are many alternatives to flossing such as interdental brushes such as Tepes, floss sticks and AirFloss. It’s always best to seek tailored advice on your oral health from a dental professional.
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