benefits of flossing the teeth

We all are aware of this fact that to get cavities free and promote good oral hygiene, one must brush their teeth regularly. But just brushing cannot give cavities free and healthy teeth, the space between the teeth and under the gum line has to be cleaned as well, and a toothbrush cannot be reached to these areas ---- that is where flossing has a role to play.

What is flossing?

Flossing is a tooth-cleaning technique, wherein we use a small piece of thread-like material, which is called floss, to clean these hard to reach areas. Flossing is also as vital as brushing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it should be carried out once a day. 

   

How to floss?

1.      Take about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. The remaining of the floss wind around the same finger of the opposite hand.

2.      Have a tight grip on the floss with your thumbs and forefingers.

3.      Guide the floss between your teeth with the help of gentle rubbing motion. Do not snap the floss into the gums.

4.      As the floss reaches the gum line, curve into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the tooth and the gum.

5.      Hold the floss lightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat the same process with the rest of your teeth.

Benefits of flossing

·         Flossing prevents tartar from building  -  the flossing technique helps in removing the plaque that lead to the formation of tartar  when it’s in its early form: sticky, pliable and soft. Regular flossing can prevent the buildup of tartar.

·         Flossing helps in preventing other gum diseases – Tooth and gum disease can have severe effects that can be worse than discolored teeth, discomfort or bad breath. Studies have suggested that the bacteria that thrive in an unhealthy oral cavity can have harmful effects on the rest part of the body, causing diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illness. Flossing takes a few minutes every day, a small and simple step can have huge implications for your long-term health.

·         It can save money – In an era of booming health care costs and diminishing insurance benefits, it is important to step ahead to reduce the medical expenses.

·         Flossing also protects the gums – flossing plays its vital role in the places where the teeth and gums meet. Often, tiny particles of food get lodged here, and with time the plaque in this area will harden and buildup to form tartar, a thick deposit that can be removed only by the dentist with a scraper. Tartar deposit can lead to gingivitis: swollen, red gums that are the initial stage of gum disease. If this tartar deposit left unchecked, the bacteria can spread even deeper below the gum line, resulting in periodontitis, which is a severe gum disease.

Floss can reach into the areas between the gums and teeth, taking out much of the food and plaque that a toothbrush can’t remove.