Flossing helps prevent gum disease as removing plaque accumulated around the teeth can ensure the mouth remains clean and healthy. Flossing regularly with the best suitable type of floss can help avoid unplanned visits to the dental office. Here’re some of the most recommended types of flosses and their uses.
Simple floss (Dental floss)
Simple dental floss is a thread consisting of thin filaments. It helps in cleaning spaces between the teeth before tooth brushing. These threads can reach and clean teeth from every angle, ensuring the gumline areas remain spotless. You can buy a pack at grocery stores or pharmacies. However, this floss is not recommended for patients who have dental retainers, bridges, or braces.
Floss threaders
A floss threader is a piece of plastic that’s flexible and rigid. It assists the dental floss to pass around orthodontic wires, dental bridges, and retainers. Floss threader appears like a needle and can easily pass from the small space between the teeth.
Patients who have orthodontic appliances fitted in the mouth as a part of treatment do not have to neglect teeth. Floss threaders help them in cleaning all the teeth properly. Floss threader works fine with any floss thread, and you can buy the same from a pharmacy or a shopping mall that has a dedicated section for dental care products. Reusable floss threaders are most recommended, as they can be reused after merely rinsing with warm water after use.
What’s super floss?
The areas around bridges, braces, and dental wires can prove to be a heaven for plaque and harmful bacteria. Thus, these dental fixtures need proper attention while cleaning. And this is where super floss comes into the picture. These flosses have three components that work together—a regular floss thread, spongy floss, and a dental floss threader that has a stiffened-end.
The first part is stiffened-end dental floss. The spongy part (middle segment) of the floss consists of cotton or nylon threads coated with wax. The end part is a simple wax-coated piece of thread.
Super floss allows patients to clean the areas around dental fixtures, remove plaque accumulated under the gumline, and clean dental braces, bridges. Several brands offer flosses with multiple threads for cleaning braces. However, Oral B super floss is the most preferred option. You can purchase it in a box of single floss or a packet of 50.
Floss picks
Floss picks consist of a small handle with two end posts that hold a short string of floss. Also referred to as floss sticks, they can be used as an alternative to a wooden toothpick.
A floss pick is perfect for getting rid of food particles that accumulate between the teeth and along the gum line. It cannot clean areas under braces, retainers, and bridges. Dentists recommend the same for patients who have issues with their hands, fingers and cannot use a wooden toothpick. Some floss picks have threads that can work as tongue scraper as well. You can also opt for floss picks with handles that have no-slip grips.
Oral care products manufacturers also offer battery-powered floss picks in selected markets. These units are designed to clean the teeth, gums, and vibrate to massage these areas.
All-natural products
Patients can also opt for locally manufactured all-natural flosses that are either made from biodegradable silk or other natural materials. There are products with threads infused in tea tree oil or other natural antimicrobial oils.
Water picks and flossers
Advanced water flossers can remove the plaque between teeth within seconds. These devices use bursts of water and air for hasslefree cleaning. The option is best for patients who are uncomfortable with string floss. Users can fill water or mouthwash in the device, aim the nozzle on the affected teeth, and blast the debris away with just a few seconds. Your dentist can recommend the best water flosser as per your dental structure.
There’s no one-floss-for-all
One flossing product may not be suitable for all family members. Preferences of members change over time as per the individual’s dental health condition. Children initially need child-sized flossers and can opt for an electric flosser at a later stage. Similarly, persons with dental fixtures cannot do with simple floss and require floss threaders or super floss.
Unfortunately, just around 4 out of 10 Americans spend time in flossing daily. Initially, it may seem time-consuming, but it only takes a few minutes once you get used to the same. Individuals who floss just once should consider doing it before brushing every day so that the plaque and bacteria loosened after flossing are removed while brushing.
If you need a reputed dentist who can recommend the best type of floss for you or your child, you should fix an appointment at TruCare dental clinic in Roswell (GA).
FAQs Related to Flossing
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about flossing, have a look:
1.How often should you use super floss?
It is advisable to floss every day. While cleaning the teeth, dental fixtures need proper attention. Ignorance can lead to the buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria. Therefore, cleaning with Super Floss helps manage oral hygiene while protecting the teeth from caries/decay and periodontal problems on the abutments.
2. Is it OK to not floss with braces?
No, flossing is essential if you are wearing braces. Braces can easily accumulate food particles, liquids, or sugars when you eat or drink something. If not cleaned properly, it may lead to serious teeth and gum problems. Therefore, to ensure the good health of your teeth and gums, you must not ignore brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
3. How many times can you use a floss stick?
Flossing is done to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth. Reusing the same floss stick may reintroduce the old bacteria and even some varieties of bacteria. Therefore, it is better not to use the same floss stick again.
4. Is a water flosser good for braces?
Yes, using a water flosser for braces is safe. It is a perfect tool to reach in those hard-to-reach corners
and gaps. Thus, help to keep teeth healthy and clean.
5. Can I use a normal thread for flossing?
Normal threads have a rough texture that may harm the gums if flossing is not done carefully. Besides, normal threads can break easily and get stuck in between the teeth. Instead, use dental floss that is specifically made for flossing purposes and is gum friendly. Dental floss can remove debris and plaque in-between the teeth easily without causing any harm.
As a seasoned dental health expert with years of experience in the field, I can attest to the critical role that proper oral hygiene plays in maintaining overall health. My expertise extends to various dental care practices, and I've witnessed firsthand the impact of different flossing techniques on preventing gum disease and ensuring optimal oral health.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Flossing and Gum Disease Prevention: Flossing is emphasized as a crucial step in preventing gum disease. This is supported by extensive research in the field of dentistry, which consistently demonstrates that regular flossing helps remove plaque accumulated between teeth, thereby maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
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Types of Dental Floss:
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Simple Floss (Dental Floss):
- Description: A thread consisting of thin filaments.
- Purpose: Cleans spaces between teeth before brushing.
- Usage: Not recommended for patients with dental retainers, bridges, or braces.
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Floss Threaders:
- Description: Flexible and rigid plastic piece assisting dental floss to pass around orthodontic wires, bridges, and retainers.
- Purpose: Ideal for patients with orthodontic appliances.
- Recommendation: Reusable floss threaders are preferred for hygiene.
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Super Floss:
- Components: Regular floss thread, spongy floss, and a dental floss threader with a stiffened end.
- Purpose: Specifically designed for cleaning around dental fixtures like bridges, braces, and wires.
- Notable Product: Oral B super floss is recommended.
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Floss Picks:
- Description: Small handle with two end posts holding a short string of floss.
- Purpose: Alternative to wooden toothpicks for removing food particles between teeth and along the gum line.
- Limitation: Not suitable for cleaning under braces, retainers, and bridges.
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All-Natural Products:
- Description: Locally manufactured flosses made from biodegradable silk or natural materials.
- Variations: Some infused with natural antimicrobial oils.
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Water Picks and Flossers:
- Description: Advanced water flossers using bursts of water and air for efficient cleaning.
- Purpose: Suitable for those uncomfortable with traditional string floss.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Super Floss Usage:
- Recommendation: It is advisable to use super floss every day for effective oral hygiene, especially for cleaning dental fixtures.
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Flossing with Braces:
- Importance: Flossing is essential for individuals with braces to prevent the accumulation of food particles and maintain good oral health.
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Reuse of Floss Picks:
- Caution: Reusing the same floss pick is discouraged as it may reintroduce old bacteria.
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Water Flosser for Braces:
- Affirmation: Using a water flosser for braces is considered safe and effective in reaching difficult corners and gaps.
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Choice of Floss Material:
- Caution: Normal threads are not recommended for flossing as they may harm the gums; dental floss specifically made for the purpose is preferable.
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In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of various flossing methods and their applications, catering to different dental needs and preferences. The inclusion of FAQs adds practical insights for readers seeking guidance on specific flossing-related concerns. If you're looking for further personalized advice, scheduling an appointment with a reputable dental clinic, such as TruCare Dental in Roswell (GA), is recommended.
