Flossing

Brushing alone will remove only 60% of the plaque build up. Plaque can also build up in between teeth. To help clean in between your teeth, Floss should be used. This is a special string which will allow you to access those difficult access places and control the initiation and spread of decay and gum disease.

What is Flossing?

Flossing is a technique to clean in between teeth. The bristles on any toothbrush will not be able to clean in between the teeth. A dental floss will be able to achieve this.

Why is flossing important?

As food remain in between teeth, it can cause decay, especially because bristles on a toothbrush cannot reach in these areas.

How do I floss?

1. Wind a piece of floss approximately 20 inches in length around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss on the same finger on the other hand. As you use the floss, you will take up the used floss with this finger.
2. Use your thumb and forefingers to hold the floss securely with about 1-2 inches in between, leaving no slack. Use a gentle rocking motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Do not use too much pressure which may push debris into the gums or damage the gums.
3. When the floss is at the bottom on the gum line, curl it back to engage one side of the tooth until you feel resistance.
4. Hold the floss against the tooth and gently scrape the side of the tooth in an outward motion moving away from the gums. Repeat the same for the other side.

Always remember to keep the floss tight and not slack during each motion. You may also need a mirror to help you at first. There are also special flosses available to help you floss if you can’t manually master the technique. Special flosses are also helpful to clean between crowns, bridges and implants.

How often should I floss?

At least once daily. At first it will take you longer to floss so we recommend that you floss once a week and build it up to floss once a day.

I bleed when I floss, what should I do?

Bleeding is an indicator of disease. You should continue flossing and the bleeding should reside if you are flossing properly. Sometimes however, you may be flossing too hard and traumatising the gums. Be gentle and ask your dentist for advice.