Oral Hygiene Tips - Flossing

Dental floss was first introduced as an oral hygiene tool in 1815 and was made from strands of silk. Now it is typically made from thin nylon filaments or polyethylene ribbon. Dental floss is now also made from biodegradable materials. Inserted between the teeth and gently scraped along the gum and tooth surface, the floss lifts food particles and dental plaque from the teeth.

Daily flossing is recommended as part of your daily oral hygiene routine however indications by the ADA are that about only 12 per cent of Americans floss daily while 39 per cent do so less than daily and 49 per cent of Americans do not floss at all.

Regular floss can be bought in small plastic dispensers that contain between 10 and 50 meters of floss. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap about 2 inches of one end around the middle finger on one hand. Wrap the remainder of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. Don't wrap too tightly or you will stop blood circulation to the finger.

Using the thumb and index finger of each hand, guide the floss between two teeth by rubbing gently in a back and forth motion. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve the floss round the tooth and into the gap on the other side of the tooth. Rub in a back and forth motion to loosen debris.

Repeat the action on each tooth. As you move to a different tooth, wind the used floss around the middle finger that had the least floss and release some more floss from the other hand. Rinse the mouth when you have finished flossing to wash away the debris.

Floss holders are available for those who do not have good finger dexterity and special picks with floss attached for those who have difficulty using regular floss.

Power flossing tools are now available which use vibration that is transferred through the floss. The subtle vibration allows the floss to take the path of least resistance between the teeth. Less pressure is applied than with regular flossing and has a less painful impact on the gums.

Whether you use regular floss, a flossing pick or a power flossing tool, flossing should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine.