Do you really know how to use dental floss? Why do dentists recommend using dental floss? This article will guide you on how to use dental floss correctly. Although we brush our teeth every day and use a toothbrush to clean most of the food residue and plaque left on the surface of our teeth, it is difficult to clean the gaps between our teeth properly. If the residue and plaque in the gaps between teeth are not effectively removed for a long time, the accumulation and mineralization of plaque can lead to dental calculus, which may also cause problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Dental floss can effectively remove food residue and plaque between teeth or areas that are difficult for toothbrushes to reach, thereby reducing the occurrence of tooth decay.
The emergence of dental floss has a long history. Levi Spil Palmley is widely recognized as the inventor of modern dental floss. He is a dentist in New Orleans, USA, who recommended using silk thread to clean teeth as early as 1815; But it was not until 1898 when Johnson&Johnson obtained the first patent for dental floss manufacturing that various brands of dental floss were mass-produced.
In daily life, dental floss can be divided into scroll style dental floss and handle style dental floss according to their shape. Although their forms are different, their functions are the same. The advantage of scroll style dental floss is that each section is new and not reused, which may be difficult for beginners to use. The handle type dental floss will carry a handle, which is relatively easy to operate, but it will only be used in this section every time. After use, the plaque removed from between the teeth needs to be wiped off before use. Dental floss can be divided into waxed and unpainted types based on the coating. According to the different shapes of dental floss, it can be divided into round thread and flat thread.
When using a scroll style dental floss, take a floss that is about 35-45 centimeters long and wrap it around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving a gap of 5 centimeters in the middle. Pinch the floss with the index finger and thumb, then keep a distance of 2 centimeters in the middle and tighten it. Slowly pull the dental floss back and forth in a "sawing style" into the gaps between the teeth, without rubbing against the gums. When cleaning, bend the dental floss into a "C" shape, wrap it around the adjacent surface, and scrape off the left and right tooth surfaces up and down. After cleaning your teeth, slowly pull out the dental floss. After cleaning each gap between teeth, replace it with a clean piece of dental floss. Loosen the line with one finger to make way for the clean section, and wrap your fingers around it. Pay attention to rinsing your mouth after cleaning your teeth.
When using a dental floss stick, align the floss part of the stick with the gap between the teeth and slowly move it into the gap. If it slides too quickly, it can easily damage the gums. Place the dental floss firmly against the adjacent surface of one tooth near the gum, slowly pull the floss up and down, clean by friction, and use the same method to firmly adhere to the adjacent surface of the other tooth for cleaning. After cleaning a gap between teeth, gently slide the dental floss stick upwards. After cleaning the dental floss stick, use the same method to clean other teeth. Pay attention to balanced strength to prevent damage to the gums.
There are various types of dental floss, and it is best to use them after three meals, especially after dinner. I recommend everyone to use dental floss as much as possible, not toothpicks, because toothpicks are thicker and cannot penetrate deep into the gaps between teeth, which greatly reduces the cleaning effect. The specific choice of dental floss style is personal preference. Any type of dental floss, as long as operated properly, can effectively remove dental plaque and plaque.
In recent years, in addition to traditional dental floss, water-based dental floss has also gradually become popular. Its principle is to use high-pressure pulse water flow to remove dental plaque and food residue between teeth, gingival sulcus, and difficult to brush areas. Compared to regular dental floss, water flossers provide a more comfortable and efficient experience. However, some doctors in academia believe that water flossers can only be used as an auxiliary tool, and suggest combining water flossers with traditional dental floss in daily oral care to achieve better cleaning results.
When using dental floss, it is necessary to clean it in a certain order and not miss it, otherwise the effect will be greatly reduced. After cleaning each gap, it is necessary to clean the plaque or food residue on the dental floss or replace it with a new one before use. Using dental floss at least once a day is beneficial for protecting one's mouth.