Dental floss

Floss is a special floss for cleaning plaque from between the teeth. Using a toothbrush can clean only three of the five surfaces of a person's teeth. The other two surfaces between teeth require special care because a toothbrush cannot remove plaque and food from between them. That's why tooth decay often starts therimary means of cleaning between the interdental spaces (proximal surfaces) of your teeth. It is desirable to use it after each meal. Or at least during evening brushing.

According to some studies, improper flossing can damage teeth, gums or fillings as well as dental implants.

Contraindications to Flossing

Crowns or bridges. Orthodontic microprostheses imply the use of a dental accessory superfloss, which combines the functions of the different types of this product.

Materials and types

Dental floss is made from natural silk or artificial fibers (acetate, nylon, kapron).

Floss comes in the following types:

- waxed - impregnated with wax, making it easier to penetrate narrow gaps

- Non-waxed - cleans better

By cross section, there are two types of floss

- round - for wide gaps

- flat - for narrow gaps

- Bulky - increases in diameter (swells) when in contact with moisture (saliva)

- ribbon-shaped - for wide gaps (diastemas and trimesters)

Flossers are also differentiated by the composition of the floss

- Impregnated. These are flosses that are impregnated with special compounds. These can be simple flavorings designed to freshen the breath, antiseptics to ensure the destruction of bacteria, or fluoride-containing ingredients that ensure the strengthening of dental tissues and prevent the development of tooth decay. Menthol floss leaves a pleasant taste and feeling of freshness in the mouth. Floss with fluoride strengthens enamel and prevents tooth decay. Impregnation with red pepper extract (capsaicin) is designed to improve blood circulation in the gums. Flossing can cut the gum, leaving a hard-to-heal wound, so you need to be especially careful with pepper impregnation.

- Unimpregnated. No additional chemical compounds are used as part of the fiber.

Most floss comes in small rolls with a built-in cutter in the form of a protruding tongue (like a needle on an all-metal button, but at an acute angle and with a rounded end).

Method of application

The thread with a length of 20-30 cm is rolled on the middle fingers of the hand and pulled on the right thumb and the left index finger. In taut condition the floss is introduced into the interdental space, gently lowered to the contact with the gum (without damaging the gum), pressed to the contact surface of the tooth and in this position make 6-7 movements in the anteroposterior direction to the incisal edge. The thread is moved moderately so as not to traumatize the gingiva. All teeth are passed in this way. If you have gum disease, the doctor may recommend cleaning the interdental spaces with a special brush.