Ways to Floss Your Teeth: An Ultimate Guide to Get A Healthier Smile

Types of Floss

Several types of dental flossing are used according to your needs and preferences. The following bullet points explain different kinds of dental flossing techniques

1. Traditional Dental Floss

This is the most common type of dental flossing. It is further divided into two different forms

• Nylon Floss: it is made up of multiple strands. It can be waxed or unwaxed and is available in a variety of flavors. It's flexible but it may shred between tight teeth spaces.
• PTFE (Monofilament) floss: it's a single filament floss. It's smoother and durable and slides easily between teeth.

2. Floss Picks

These are small plastic tools. They include a short piece of floss stretched between two prongs. Floss picks are convenient and easy to use but they may not be effective at reaching deep parts of teeth.

3. Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are designed to clean the tight spaces between your teeth. They remove plaque and food debris accumulated between hard-to-reach areas and protect teeth from cavities and bacteria. They are especially useful for people with braces.

4. Super Floss

Super floss consists of 3 sections: a stiff end to thread, a spongy middle, and a regular floss to remove the plaque, they are ideal for people with braces or bridges.

5. Water Flossers

These are the devices that use a stream of water to remove debris and plaque from between the teeth and along a gum line. They are also called oral irrigators and dental water jets.

To Remove Food Particles

Flossing is the most underrated yet effective weapon to remove food particles that are trapped between teeth. By regular flossing, you can ensure the removal of food particles that are accumulated. This will promote a clean oral environment and protect your oral health.

To Control Plaque Build-up

Plaque build-up between teeth increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Flossers reach and clean the areas that are out of reach for brushes. They remove the plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Improves Gum Health

Flossing reduces the risk of gum inflammation and gingivitis. It also prevents gums from bleeding and some serious gum diseases caused by cavities and bacteria.

Prevents Bad Breath

Regular brushing and flossing keep your breath fresh. They eliminate odor-causing bacteria which are formed due to food debris.

Step 1: Choose Your Floss

Pick the type of floss that aligns best with your needs.

Step 2: Use the Right Amount

Break off about 45cm of floss wrap most of it around the middle fingers of both hands and leave 1-2 inches of floss to work with.

Step 3: Hold the Floss Tightly

Hold the floss taut between your thumb and index fingers.

Step 4: Guide the Floss

Use index finger to guide floss up and down between contact of teeth, rubbing it against both sides of each tooth. Avoid gliding the floss into your gums to protect your gums from scratching and bleeding.

Step 5: Form a C-shape

When the floss gets to the gum line, curve it into a C shape around a tooth. This allows the floss to get into the area between the gum and the tooth.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

As you unwrap more floss, use a fresh section for each tooth. Repeat to clean every crevice and space.

Step 7: Rinse and Finish

To flush out any loosened debris from the mouth after flossing, rinse the mouth with water or mouthwash. Dispose of the used floss in such a manner that it can never be used again.

How to Floss With Water Flosser

Water flossers work a little differently from other flossing tools.

• Start by filling the water flosser’s reservoir with lukewarm water or mouthwash.
• Water flossers come with different tips. Select the right tip according to your needs.
• Adjust the water pressure. Start with lower water pressure if you are new to water flossing.
• Lean slightly over the sink to avoid water splashing. Place the tip in your mouth and close your lips slightly to prevent water from spraying out.
• Turn the device on and aim the tip at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line.
• Complete the process and spit out the remaining water.