Sometimes we refer to a common saying, "We never feel the importance of our teeth when they are present" while trying to relate some incidents of negligence from our parts. This indicates that we really do not pay proper attention to our teeth and the overall oral health. We just use these 32 "tools" to cut foods and to mash them. But tools need maintenance as well. They cannot go on rendering you the same level of service through years without being looked after. They may become "blunt", develop "rusts" and "erode" gradually. Brushing and flossing are the commonest and the easiest ways of taking care of our oral health.
Regularly brushing your teeth is not an all-inclusive part of your daily dental care regimen. Brushing your teeth is not that effective in removing plaque and food particles that get stuck in between your teeth and under the gum line. Flossing is the probable answer to this problem. In India, about 87 percent of the population floss infrequently or not at all. In U.S, a 2008 survey found that only 49 percent floss daily and 10 percent never floss. According to the dentists, flossing is even more important than brushing when it comes to preventing periodontal disease (a disease of the gums and bone that support the teeth) and tooth loss.
The Benefits of Flossing
- Cleans Teeth: Brushing along doesn't remove all the food particles stuck on your teeth. An estimated 30 percent of the food particles are left stuck between the teeth and these can lead to tooth decay. Floss can get these particles out, prevent decay and reduce your chances of getting cavities.
- Helps in Plaque Removal: Flossing reaches the plaque between the teeth and on the tiny surfaces which normally remain inaccessible to a toothbrush. If plaque builds up and hardens, only a dentist or an oral hygienist can remove it.
- Decreases the Risk of Gingivitis: Flossing prevents the buildup of tartar in the gum line. It also disturbs the bacteria and stops them from producing acids which damage the gums and cause them to get swelled up. If left untreated, it leads to tooth loss.
- Freshens Breath: Most of the food particles get stuck between the teeth, thereby causing tooth decay and bad breath. Flossing helps in removing bad breadth.
- Comforts the Mouth: Flossing helps in comforting the mouth as the stuck food particles can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth.
- Decreases the Risk of Heart Diseases: Various studies have proved that people with gum disease are more likely to get a heart attack or to suffer from heart diseases. As per American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal (gum) disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. This is because certain disease-causing bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums and stick to the fatty plaques in the bloodstream, directly contributing to blockages leading to a stroke.
- Saves Money: Most importantly, flossing saves money. If flossing is not included as a regular practice then you will need to spend much more while addressing these problems in your dentist's chamber. It is far more important to invest on floss threaders.
The Flossing Technique
Flossing requires lot of practice and patience. The following guidelines may help you to initiate:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss in-between.
- Grasp the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, and use a gentle shoeshine motion to guide it between your teeth.
- When the floss reaches the gumline, curve the floss against the side of the tooth in a 'C' shape, making sure you go beneath the gumline.
- Very gently wipe the tooth from under the gumline to the tip two to three times.
- Repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth ("unspooling" fresh sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth).
- Don't forget to floss the backs of the last molars. By far, most of the gum diseases and tooth decay occur in the back teeth.
Points to be Noted
- Use dental floss or an inter-dental cleaner every day.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Be gentle while using dental floss so as to avoid damaging the gum tissue.
- If long threads of regular dental floss are too hard for you to hold, then you may use a floss holder.
Different Types of Floss Available for You in the Market
You need to seek your dentist's advice in choosing the right kind of floss. The options available to you include:
- Waxed dental floss,
- Unwaxed dental floss,
- Interdental cleaning aids including picks and special sticks,
- Oral irrigators which use water to remove plaque caught between teeth,
- Mouth rinses.
If your teeth were just meant for chewing and munching the "inputs", then it would have been right on your part to ignore its condition or status. But teeth are one of your body parts with individual health conditions and needs. Thus, you will need to cater to the specific needs of your oral health as well just as you do with any other part of your body. If you have enjoyed smashing, mashing and rolling the foods in your mouth, then you should enjoy flossing as well.
