When most dental patients visit the dentist twice a year, they
hear the words their dentist tells them regarding how important flossing is,
but not many actually listen to the advice with any real intention of changing
their habits. Alla Wheeler, an associate professor with New York University’s
Dentistry School, states that this problem lies in the lack of instant
gratification when it comes to flossing. This lack of anything immediate might
cause people to believe flossing doesn’t do all that much.
Flossing – More
Important Than You Think
However, flossing covers around 40 percent of what’s essential
for removing plaque from a person’s mouth, which may surprise people regarding
the role of flossing in their day. Per Wheeler, "Each tooth has five
surfaces. If you don't floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces
unclean. Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the
teeth and remove bacteria." Without consistent flossing habits, gum
disease—the ultimate result of plaque buildup—can develop and slowly eat away at
teeth and gums, ruining their longevity going into a person’s retirement age.
Gum disease is also known for attacking the bones supporting
the teeth as well as the bottom third of the face. This deterioration within
the jaw bone can eventually put a patient’s ability to receive dental implants
or dentures in jeopardy, as it takes strong bones to successfully hold
implants. As well, patients who preserve their jaw bone by flossing have
healthier smiles going into older age.
Choosing Dental Floss
Most flosses are made from Teflon or nylon, both being
equally effective. Patients who have greater spaces between teeth or have gum
recession often get better outcomes using wide, flat dental tape. For patients
whose teeth stand close together, thin, shred-resistant floss would be better. Patients
with braces or bridges call for extra tools in order to get between teeth and beneath
wires or restorations, such as floss threaders, which look like plastic sewing
needles. There are also flossing products with one rigid end for fishing floss
through teeth followed by a spongier segment and standard floss.
Flossing Tips
Flossing is a relatively simple process, but even it can be
improved by enacting certain adjustments, including the following:
· Perfect your flossing techniques
: Cut a
15-18 inch strand of floss, wrap it around both index fingers with plenty of
room in between, and slide it between each tooth, wrapping the floss around
every tooth in a “C” shape and polishing with an up/down motion.
· Some blood might not be an issue
: Blood
can mean one is flossing too hard, but it can also mean the gums have inflamed
due to built-up plaque that must be cleaned out. One-time bleeding isn’t a
problem if it’s addressed, but bleeding after several days could indicate
periodontal disease.
· Look into floss holders
: For those who lack
the dexterity in their hands to floss properly, try wooden soft plaque removers
or two-pronged plastic floss holders, both of which only require one hand.
When was the last time you saw the dentist? If you are avoiding making that call because of the high costs of dental care, consider using the Wellness Dental Plan, a New Hampshire discount dental plan
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Copyright: subbotina
/ 123RF Stock Photo
