Tooth cleaning / using dental floss
Why do you need to use dental floss?
The first symptoms of gum disease appear along the gum line and between the teeth. Flossing every day is an important part of daily oral care, as it helps remove plaque from areas the toothbrush can hardly reach. But flossing has its own technique, which is worth learning.
The correct flossing technique
As we put our hands in our mouth when flossing, first of all wash your hands thoroughly! The American Dental Hygienists' Association sums up the key elements of the right flossing technique in four simple steps:
Tear off: Tear off about 30-40 cm of floss and wind it around the middle or index finger of one hand (left or right), then wind a shorter section around the middle or index finger of the other hand. (If you wind it around your middle finger, you can move the floss freely with your index finger.) This may seem long at first, but you need a fair amount of floss so that there is enough for every gap between the teeth. Stretch a 3-5 cm section of floss between your thumb and index finger. Use your thumb to guide the floss into the gaps between your upper teeth.
Insert: Hold a 3-5 cm section of floss stretched between your fingers. Use your two index fingers to guide the floss into the gaps between your lower teeth.
Slide: Guide the floss between the teeth with a gentle zigzag motion. Be careful not to let the floss snap or "jump out" of the gap! Curve the floss around the side of the tooth so that the thread hugs the tooth in a C shape.
Move: Move the floss, stretched against the tooth surface, up and down, also going below the gum line. Do not forget the backs of the teeth! Each time you move on to the next tooth, unwind a new, clean section from the thread wound around your middle finger, and at the same time wind the used section around the middle finger of your other hand. Support the thread with your thumb! Be careful not to injure your gums. If flossing feels awkward at first, do not give up; with a little practice, you will get better and better at it. If you cannot manage flossing, ask your dental hygienist for advice.
This technique can be used with any type of floss, whether waxed, unwaxed, spongy floss or dental tape.
You can choose whichever floss you like, as long as you follow the correct technique. There are many types to choose from to suit our own needs and those of our family.
It does not matter whether you start flossing with the upper or lower teeth, or at the front or the back. Just make sure you go through every gap between the teeth on the right and left sides of the mouth, top and bottom, and also the back surface of the last teeth. Using the right technique helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, which improves oral hygiene.
Everyone is different
Every mouth, every tooth and every gap between the teeth is different. This means that the ideal oral care must also be determined according to individual anatomy, age and abilities. Ask your dental hygienist for advice and training. Perfect, effective and at the same time gentle tooth cleaning cannot be learned from books.
Using a floss holder
The technique is similar when using a floss holder. Hold the handle firmly and tilt the head towards the surface you want to floss first (either the lower or the upper teeth). Gently slide the floss between two teeth, making sure the floss does not snap or jump out. Use the same zigzag motion as with regular floss. Curve the floss around the surface of each tooth, slide it below the gum line too, and work your way across all the surfaces of the teeth.
Flossing around orthodontic appliances
If you wear braces or a similar appliance, the right flossing technique is especially important to avoid the wires and brackets. You can also use a special dental floss with a stiff end that can easily be threaded under the main wire of the braces.
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Gentle use
As incorrect flossing can cause injuries, you need to be both thorough and gentle, especially when using an electric flosser. Your gums may bleed at first when you floss, but this should stop quickly. If your gums still bleed when you floss after a few days, it may be a sign of a gum problem. It is important to discuss this with your dentist or dental hygienist, who can check whether your gums are healthy and advise you on how to resolve the gum problem.
How often should you floss?
Many people are unsure how often to floss, or whether to floss before or after brushing. From the age of 12, it is worth starting to use interdental brushes or floss to clean between the teeth once a day, before brushing in the evening.