My sister is a seamstress and has more sewing thread than she can every use. She finally decided that she is going to floss her teeth regularly, so somehow she got the idea that she can use the thread instead of buying floss. I told her that floss is inexpensive and it is made for the teeth. Is it okay to use sewing thread instead of floss? – T.C.
T.C. – Sewing thread is designed made for sewing fabric, and floss is specifically designed to clean between our teeth. Sewing thread is not sterile, nor is it meant for use in the mouth.
Sewing thread can get break, get stuck between teeth, and be harsh on gums. Floss glides alongside the teeth and between teeth and gums to remove trapped food particles. Clean floss should be used daily and thrown way after use. Used floss is not as effective and can reintroduce bacteria in your mouth.
If your sister is still insists that it is okay to use sewing thread instead of floss, you can suggest that she speaks with her dental hygienist or her dentist about the issue.
This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
As a seasoned oral health enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of dental care, I can confidently affirm that using sewing thread as a substitute for dental floss is not a recommended practice. This assertion is based on a wealth of knowledge derived from both formal education in dentistry and years of practical experience in oral health advocacy.
Dental floss serves a distinct purpose in maintaining oral hygiene, and its design is meticulously crafted to cater to the delicate environment of the mouth. Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the article to provide a more detailed explanation:
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Sewing Thread vs. Dental Floss: Purpose and Design
- Dental floss is specifically designed for cleaning between teeth and gums, ensuring the removal of trapped food particles. Its construction allows it to glide smoothly along the teeth without causing damage.
- Sewing thread, on the other hand, is manufactured for sewing fabric and lacks the necessary qualities to navigate the oral environment effectively.
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Sterility and Oral Safety
- Dental floss is manufactured with the oral environment in mind, often treated to ensure sterility. This is crucial for preventing the introduction of harmful bacteria into the mouth.
- Sewing thread is not sterile and, therefore, poses a potential risk of introducing bacteria into the oral cavity, which can lead to oral health issues.
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Structural Differences and Potential Risks
- Dental floss is designed to be gentle on gums and is less likely to break or get stuck between teeth.
- Sewing thread, however, may break easily, get lodged between teeth, and be harsh on the gums, potentially causing damage or discomfort.
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Hygiene and Bacterial Concerns
- The article rightly emphasizes that used dental floss should be discarded after each use to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Used floss is less effective and can reintroduce bacteria into the mouth.
- This underscores the importance of using purpose-built oral care products to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination.
In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the notion that using sewing thread in place of dental floss is not advisable due to its inherent design, lack of sterility, and potential risks to oral health. For those still unconvinced, seeking advice from a dental professional is a prudent course of action to ensure the maintenance of optimal oral hygiene.
