Dental flossing can be a lot more beneficial for the gums than you can think. If combined with regular tooth brushing, it is known to prevent various gum diseases, bad breath (halitosis), and dental caries (tooth decay). Dental floss is a thin nylon filament used to dislodge and remove food particles that may have got stuck in between teeth. These accumulations of food particles are responsible for the formation of tartar and plaque over the teeth, which act as breeding grounds for bacteria.
Plastic, teflon, or polyethylene are the materials that are commonly used in the manufacture of dental floss. Dental floss may come waxed or unwaxed, and may or may not be flavored. An interdental brush can also be used for the same purpose. Using the appropriate technique to floss the teeth can help you to efficiently get rid of dental plaques and tartar. Always wash your hands thoroughly before you start flossing your teeth because your fingers do enter your mouth during the process.
The piece used for flossing should be at least 18 inches long so that there are enough fresh segments to clean each and every tooth. Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and the other end around the index finger of the other hand. The index finger of the first hand is kept free so that it is free to manipulate the floss as and when required. Gently slide the floss between the teeth in a zigzag motion and make a C shape with the floss as you wrap it around each tooth, carefully pulling the floss upwards from the gum line to the top of the tooth.
Ensure that the floss does not snap or pop in between your teeth. As you continue to floss from one tooth to the next, unroll a fresh section of floss from the finger of one hand while rolling the used floss onto the finger of the other hand. Also, floss the backside of every tooth without fail. There are many types of flosses available. You can make your choice depending on your own preferences. The waxed floss is made of nylon with a light wax coating, whereas the unwaxed variety is made of 35 strands of nylon twisted together. The latter has a great risk of shredding or breaking.
Another type, known as polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) floss, easily slides between the teeth and is less likely to shred compared to standard floss. Super flosses are made from yarn-like material that has stiffer sections on each end, which can be used to clean around braces or dental bridges. The method of flossing matters more than the type of floss. After all, the logic is simply to remove and food particles that may have got themselves lodged in between your teeth after every meal. Brushing, flossing, and gargling are the indispensible trio in dental protection as well as in the maintenance of oral hygiene.