Dental Hygiene Glossary - Flossing

Mar 08, 2024

Understanding Flossing

Flossing might seem like a simple string passing between your teeth, but it's much more than that. It's an integral part of your oral care routine, crucial for maintaining a healthy, natural, and beautiful smile. As a preventative care measure, regular and proper flossing can save you from future dental issues, discomfort, and high costs.

At its core, flossing removes plaque and food particles that your toothbrush and mouthwash can't reach. These are often nestled snugly between your teeth and along the gum line. If left unchecked, such buildup can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath.

This step in your dental care routine may take a few extra minutes of your day, but the benefits are indisputable. By selecting sustainable flossing options, such as those offered by Plus Ultra, you ensure your mouth stays healthy and positively impacts the environment.

Benefits Of Regular Flossing

Regular flossing is an investment in your long-term oral health and overall well-being. Here's why making flossing a part of your daily routine can be transformative:

Prevents Tooth Decay And Gum Disease: Flossing effectively removes trapped food particles and plaque between teeth, preventing plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases like gingivitis. Daily flossing protects gums and teeth, ensuring a natural and healthy smile.
Contributes To A Brighter Smile: Regular flossing removes plaques and particles that cause staining, enhancing teeth whitening efforts by effectively eliminating debris. It's a simple, chemical-free method to achieve a brighter, whiter smile.
Reduces Bad Breath: Flossing removes food particles trapped between teeth, preventing decay and the development of unpleasant odor. Consistent flossing keeps the mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Promotes Heart Health: Emerging research suggests a connection between dental health and heart health. Flossing reduces inflammation in the mouth and potentially lowers the risk of heart disease. Regular flossing not only preserves smiles but also contributes to overall heart health.

By choosing gentle, eco-friendly oral care products, the planet benefits too! With Plus Ultra, you care for your smile and the environment, paving the way for a healthier planet.

How To Floss Properly

Flossing may seem straightforward, but doing it correctly is key to achieving the full benefits for your oral health and ensuring you're contributing positively towards a more sustainable practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss properly, allowing you to get the most out of this essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine:

Step 1: Choose The Right Floss

First and foremost, selecting the right floss is crucial. With Plus Ultra’s eco-friendly options, you can rest assured that you're making a choice that benefits your health and the environment. Our floss is designed to be strong and effective, gentle on your gums, and kind to the planet.

Step 2: Cut The Right Length

Cut off about 18 to 24 inches of floss. This length allows you to use a fresh segment of floss for each tooth, which is more hygienic and effective in removing plaque and food particles without transferring bacteria from one gap to another.

Step 3: Wind And Grip

Wind most of the floss around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes dirty. Then, hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about an inch or two of floss to work with.

Step 4: Guide Floss Between Teeth

Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a zig-zag motion. Be careful not to snap or force the floss, as this can cause bruising or damage to your gums.

Step 5: Curve The Floss And Slide

Once the floss reaches your gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel resistance. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this process on the adjacent tooth.

Step 6: Follow Through With Each Tooth

Repeat these steps as you move from tooth to tooth. With each new segment, be sure to use a fresh section of floss to avoid reinserting bacteria you've just removed. Don’t forget the back of your last tooth on each side, as it’s easy to overlook but equally important.

Step 7: Rinse Your Mouth

After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any dislodged particles and bacteria. This step also helps you enjoy a fresher breath and a cleaner feel.

Remember, how you floss is just as important as making flossing a regular part of your routine. Incorporate these techniques to ensure you get the most out of your flossing and keep your smile natural, healthy, and radiant.

Types Of Dental Floss

When it comes to flossing, not all dental floss is created equal. There are various floss types, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Understanding the different types can help you select the best option for your oral health routine. Here's an overview of the main types of dental floss available:

Traditional Nylon Floss: Multiple nylon strands twisted together, effectively removing plaque.
Monofilament Floss: A single strong strand, like Teflon or polyethylene, resistant to shredding, suitable for tight spaces, and gentle on gums.
Dental Tape: A broader, flatter version of floss for wider gaps, provides thorough cleaning with greater surface area contact.
Biodegradable Floss: An eco-friendly option made from natural materials like silk or bamboo fiber and coated with natural waxes, promoting sustainability.
Water Flossers: Non-traditional tool using water jets for effective cleaning, beneficial for braces or implants, with considerations for energy use.
Floss Picks: Plastic tools holding taut floss, convenient but less environmentally friendly, and may be less effective than traditional flossing.

Knowing the variety of floss available can empower you to make an informed choice that fits your dental needs and aligns with your values, especially for those invested in eco-friendly practices. Plus Ultra's floss is made from 100% recycled nylon with a vegan wax coating, making it strong and flexible and easily cleans tight spaces without breaking or fraying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should one floss?

Flossing should be a daily habit, ideally before you go to bed, to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach.

Is flossing better before or after brushing?

There's debate on this, but many dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing to loosen plaque and food particles for brushing and rinsing to remove.’=

Can I floss if I have braces?

Absolutely! While it might be trickier, tools like floss threaders or orthodontic flossers are designed to help those with braces floss effectively.

How does flossing prevent gum disease?

Flossing removes plaque buildup between teeth and along the gum line, preventing inflammation, infection, and, eventually, gum disease.

Can flossing help prevent cavities?

Flossing can help prevent cavities from forming in hard-to-reach areas by removing plaque and food particles between teeth.

Can flossing cause damage to my gums?

If done improperly or too aggressively, flossing can cause damage to the gums. It's important to use a gentle motion and avoid snapping the floss into the gums.