How to properly brush your teeth with dental floss? Floss devices. Proper flossing - video

Before purchasing floss, you need to know about some rules for its use. The product is produced in plastic containers, which includes a small knife for cutting the fiber. It is important to determine the size of the thread for convenient cleaning of the oral cavity from plaque.

It is necessary to use dental floss not only in the morning and in the evening after the main dental care activities. It is recommended to use after snacks or drinking coffee.

Indications for use

The device is great for removing plaque in hard-to-reach places where it is difficult for a toothbrush to reach. It is suitable for use by children from 8 years of age and adults.

Floss is suitable for regular daily use. The best way to use dental floss is after every meal. It is also prescribed for patients with orthodontic structures installed, as plaque and food particles accumulate on them faster.

Dental floss is a necessary tool for oral care for people with anomalies of the dentition (trema and diastema, torsion of teeth)

Why is it important to choose the right floss? First of all, the material should not delaminate when cleaning the interdental spaces. Thread breaks can occur if there are bumps and chips on the enamel of the teeth.

How to use dental floss correctly

To achieve results in the prevention of caries and other dental disorders is possible only with the regular use of floss. With sensitive enamel and gums, the product is used 1 time, before going to bed. Otherwise, flossing should be done after every meal. Another effective option for using the product is 2 times a day after basic hygiene measures. You can also use floss before traditional cleaning of teeth from plaque and food debris.

The algorithm for using dental floss is as follows:

A container with fiber is taken into the hand and with the help of a special cutter included in the complex with the product, approximately 40 cm of material is cut off. If the tool is used for the first time, then it is better to use a ruler to determine the required length.
The end of the thread is wound around the index or middle finger of one hand. The other end is clamped with the middle finger of the opposite hand. A piece of floss with a length of at least 5 cm should remain between the fingers. This floss size will be enough to effectively clean the interdental space.
With the help of the thumbs, the thread is pulled, the mouth is opened wide and the fiber is inserted into the space between the teeth. To clean each section, use a new piece of fishing line. All manipulations are carried out carefully to prevent injury to the gums.
During cleaning, the floss is pressed against the side surface of the teeth on each side. All movements are made from top to bottom on the surface of the teeth.
The fiber is slightly wound over the edges of the gums to clean out all food debris from the interdental spaces.

The teeth of the upper and lower jaws are processed in a similar way. It is forbidden to use the same section of the floss for different sections. This can lead to the spread of bacteria throughout the mouth. The used material is disposed of. For one procedure, on average, at least 40 cm of fiber is used. The advantage of flossing for cleaning teeth is that it does not harm the enamel.

Application algorithm for braces

After installing orthodontic structures, the doctor informs the patient about the rules for caring for them. For effective cleaning of devices, it is necessary to use brushes, toothbrushes, floss or irrigators. Under the hooks, locks and other elements of orthodontic constructions, food particles can easily fall, which cause bad breath.

The orthodontist teaches proper oral care using superfloss. This product performs the functions of several types of dental floss. The main point of training is not to damage the structure itself and soft tissues during oral hygiene.

Photo of cleaning braces with a thread

Procedure algorithm:

Hands are treated with an antiseptic or washed with soap.
The cleaning procedure is carried out in front of a mirror in order to examine all the elements of the orthodontic device.
About 30 cm of thread is wound around the index fingers of both hands.
The fiber is pulled under the main wire without touching the metal parts.
After cleaning the braces, the accessory is put into each interdental space. To process closely spaced units, manufacturers make special narrow threads.
Floss is removed from the mouth at one end to prevent damage to the braces.
The used line is disposed of.

Without a thread, it is impossible to achieve perfect cleanliness of the oral cavity, especially when orthodontic appliances are installed.

Using floss for kids

Children up to 9 years of age can use the accessory on their own. However, you can introduce the child to the product much earlier.

It is important to teach your child good oral hygiene from an early age.

For younger children, it is best to use the thread under parental supervision. It is important to ensure that the child carefully performs all manipulations and does not damage the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth. If in the process of cleaning the interdental spaces, the baby's gums begin to bleed, then the procedure is postponed and the mouth is washed with a warm antiseptic solution. Resuming the use of floss is possible only after the disappearance of bleeding.

Common problems when using the accessory and how to solve them

Consider the main difficulties that arise during the cleaning of interdental spaces with floss:

Gums bleed when flossing. The symptom may indicate signs of developing gingivitis. Adults do not have to stop brushing their teeth right away. On the contrary, regular use of paste, brush and floss suppresses the signs of dental diseases and reduces the intensity of their symptoms.
The fiber is stuck between the teeth. For the treatment of narrow interdental spaces, it is better to use Teflon or specially treated fishing line. In both cases, the floss will be easier to slide over the enamel of the teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the right product.
Not enough time for hygiene. On average, the procedure for cleansing the mouth with a thread lasts 5 minutes. If there is not enough time, you can reduce this time to 60 seconds. Even a short treatment of the interdental spaces will help to avoid the development of caries.
Impaired coordination of movements. For people who have difficulty holding the thread, special devices with y-shaped support have been invented. One end of the thread is attached to the upper part of the structure, and the other - to the hand.

In order for the use of floss to become a habit, it is necessary to combine the procedure with pleasant activities: reading a book, watching your favorite TV show.

Dentists do not recommend flossing for all patients. The device is not suitable for persons suffering from bleeding gums associated with periodontal disease. In this case, the product can aggravate the course of a dental disease. In this case, it will be possible to use floss only after the disappearance of all signs of periodontal disease.

Is it possible to replace floss with a regular thread

Some patients use regular sewing floss instead of flossing their teeth. It must be remembered that pharmacy products are made from materials that go through several stages of processing. This makes them practically safe for teeth and gums.

A sewing thread with strong tension can even injure fingers. Not to mention the delicate mucous membranes of the mouth. In addition, it is easy to infect the oral cavity with ordinary material, since it is not treated with special antiseptic compounds.

At best, the thread is soaked in alcohol. Regular use of sewing thread for cleaning causes gums to bleed.

Regular floss cannot be used instead of floss because it gets stuck in the teeth and increases the risk of periodontitis, gingivitis, bad breath

An important rule to follow before starting the procedure is the treatment of hands with soap. If not used carefully, flossing can cause gum damage. Pathogenic flora from dirty hands easily gets into microcracks.

If a person has too narrow tooth gaps or there are problems with the conductivity of the thread, then it is necessary to use products with wax (waxed). If the fiber is difficult to hold in your hands until the end of the procedure, then it is better to purchase a product equipped with a special holder.

The gums may hurt for 3-4 days from the moment the thread is used. This condition is considered normal, as the bacteria in the mouth die gradually. If the intensity of unpleasant symptoms intensifies a few days after using the floss, then it is better to refuse to use the product and seek the advice of a dentist.

To avoid problems associated with the use of floss (scratches and abrasions in the mouth), the right choice of dental floss will help. Before using the product for the first time, it is better to consult a dentist. You should not completely replace standard mouth care products with floss, as this will not clean your mouth well.

How often to use the accessory, you need to check with your dentist. Doctors allow some patients to use the product after each meal, others 1-2 times a day. Uncontrolled use of floss in some cases can lead to destruction of the gum structure.

A beautiful and radiant smile attracts the attention of others. Everyone would like to become the owner of such a smile, and in fact, everyone without exception has such an opportunity. In this case, in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to know why and how to brush your teeth? This will be discussed in the article.

There are several ways to brush your teeth, which differ in tools and cleaning products. In order to have a snow-white smile, you need to know each of them, and also, it will be useful for parents to know how to brush your teeth properly. The first thing that proper brushing begins with is choosing a tool for the process in question, and to begin with, let's learn how to choose the right brush for your teeth.

Choosing a brush

You can not choose a tool for brushing your teeth, based only on its appearance. It must be understood that many manufacturers of brushes make them beautiful and stylish, only to improve sales. Remember, their appearance rarely matches their quality (at least in most cases).

The main criteria for choosing a brush:

medium bristles
comfortable to hold in hand
bristle material - nylon

In this case, we are talking about the average choice, because we must not forget to note that the level of sensitivity of the teeth is individual, and the higher it is, the softer the brush should be. For normal teeth, the bristles should not be too hard, but they should not fray at the slightest pressure either.

If you regularly use a toothbrush that has too hard bristles, this will lead to:

healthy gum recession
exposing the roots of teeth
abrasion of dental tissues
exposing some parts of the teeth (erasing the enamel on them)

When the bristles are too hard, brushing your teeth with it for 2-3 minutes can cause your gums to bleed. For unknown reasons, many read this process as a sign that the toothbrush has cleaned everything as expected, and the blood from the gums is another confirmation of this. There are only two options in this case:

Incorrectly selected brush (too hard)
Sick, weak gums (their timely treatment is required)

In the first case, urgently replace the brush with a softer one, in the second case, start treating your gums by rinsing your mouth with gum strengthening products. It is also recommended to use toothpaste for bleeding gums.

If your teeth are fine and you have bought a very soft toothbrush, then the only result of brushing your teeth will be massaging them, and we need to make them clean. The best option is a medium hard brush, which:

won't hurt gums
won't rub off enamel
thoroughly clean the teeth and the spaces between them
will not cause discomfort when cleaning

With such a brush, you can brush your teeth for 3-5 minutes, if the brush is too soft, then the process can reach 10 minutes.

Above, we mentioned that the material used for the bristles on the brush should be nylon. Due to the widespread use and popularity of organic and natural products, many people prefer brushes with natural bristles.

At the same time, dental professionals say that it is worth making your choice towards nylon bristles for one simple reason, a lot of microbes accumulate on natural fibers, which are difficult to remove even with a strong pressure of water from a tap.

The choice is made, now we turn to the study of the rules of brushing your teeth.

How to properly brush your teeth?

We will begin our story by telling you how to use a brush to brush your teeth correctly so that they are clean and your breath is fresh.

Learning how to properly brush your teeth means:

have strong teeth
healthy gums
have no reason for tooth loss and destruction

Although no cleaning method is known today, it is best to consult with your dentist before choosing one. He has studied your mouth, including your teeth, very well, so he knows better what is right for your teeth.

One of the most important rules for brushing your teeth is to change your toothbrush every few months.

Maybe these rules will seem banal for you, but it is very important not only to know about them, but also to remember and adhere to them:

Teeth should be brushed several times a day. Despite the fact that toothpaste advertisements say that it is necessary to clean the oral cavity every time after eating, experts recommend doing this twice a day - in the morning and immediately before bedtime.
The time of such a procedure should not be less than two minutes, because this time is enough to pay attention to each tooth and hard-to-reach places in the oral cavity and clean them properly.

So, let's proceed to the detailed instructions for proper brushing of teeth:

Start brushing your teeth from the outside of the top row. It doesn't matter if you start from right to left or vice versa, as long as you pay attention to the entire surface of the teeth. With a brush, we make movements from top to bottom, in short jerks (as if shaking off dirt from the teeth). The position of the brush is horizontal.
The next area for cleaning is the top row, its inner side. Here you take the brush vertically and with similar movements “dump” all the dirt from the inner surface of the teeth.
The lower row of teeth must be cleaned in a circular motion, both inside and outside.
We turn to cleaning the surface of the cheeks and tongue. Pay special attention to this, because it is there that a large number of bacteria and pieces of food accumulate, the deposits of which lead to an extraneous odor from the oral cavity.

For these purposes, you can use both the back surface of the brush, and a special tool for cleaning the tongue and cheeks.

How to brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush?

Our people have lost the habit of trusting advertising, because modern advertising does not guarantee that the advertised product is really of high quality, productive and good. Despite this, the often advertised electric brushes are gaining their popularity. The demand for them at this point in time is quite large, which means that the consumer was able to evaluate the quality and benefits of such an acquisition.

Dentists say that electric brushes are indeed a very convenient and effective method of cleaning teeth and the entire oral cavity from various kinds of contaminants.

Electric brush:

comfortable
efficient
easy to use
It does not require special care

Movements that can be made with an electric brush:

vibrating
reciprocating circular
pressing

Brushing your teeth with such a brush is very simple, because you don’t need to make any special efforts, the brush does everything for you, the only thing is to help it, imitating the usual movements of brushing your teeth with your hand.

Rules for brushing with an electric toothbrush:

do it leisurely
first clean the front surface of the teeth, then the inside

put the brush on each tooth so that its bristles tightly cover it, and hold it in this state for a couple of seconds (the brush will do the rest for you)
do not press hard with a brush on the teeth, so as not to damage the enamel (most modern electric toothbrushes have the property of automatic pressure)

Since the brush in question is a kind of mechanism, it also needs care, it is very simple and there is nothing complicated in this process:

after you have brushed your teeth with such a brush, it must be rinsed well under running water, turning it on again
remember to rinse the inside of the brush head after each cleaning to prevent food particles and bacteria from lingering there
make sure that the batteries inside the brush body do not oxidize

Electric brushes are practical and convenient, therefore, such a mechanism is worth the money that you pay for it.

How to properly brush your teeth with dental floss?

Relatively recently, dental floss was not used so often, and indeed, many learned about its existence from American TV shows. Today, this type of teeth cleaning is gaining popularity. It is difficult to say exactly why. Let's immediately decide: what is dental floss for, is it necessary to use it and how to do it?

Let's start by considering its purpose, namely, dental floss is designed to remove contaminants from the oral cavity in hard-to-reach places (gaps between teeth). I would like to note right away that dental floss cannot completely replace a toothbrush, because it is an additional tool for thorough cleaning of teeth.

Experts say that such a thread must be used every day, due to the fact that it is in hard-to-reach places between the teeth that the likelihood of caries is quite high.

In order not to damage your teeth, gums and parts of the oral cavity, before you start using dental floss, read its instructions:

Unwind the required length of the thread and wind a large part of it around the fingers of both hands (leave only the part with which you brush your teeth free, by the way, it should be taut).
With gentle movements, we start the thread between the teeth and perform movements up and down, left and right, getting rid of plaque and bacteria.
Do not make strong and sudden movements, this way you can damage both your teeth and gums.
Do not linger in one place for too long, although the movements should be smooth, the speed of flossing is quite intense.

This process will take you only a few minutes, so you don’t have to clean up food debris from hard-to-reach places for half a day.

How to clean your teeth with an irrigator?

Let's start with the fact that few people know what an irrigator is, and even more so, how to brush their teeth properly. Dentists often mention this device and its effectiveness when they see patients.

Immediately I would like to note that the irrigator is the same additional cleaning method as the thread, that is, it does not exclude the use of standard cleaning methods.

It turns out that every day after you thoroughly brush your teeth, you need to take an irrigator and clean out what is left in your oral cavity after brushing with a regular brush. The principle of operation of the considered mechanism:

The water stream under pressure washes away all the remnants of food and bacteria from the oral cavity
After using this unit, many will be surprised at how much, on our teeth and between them, remains after brushing our teeth.

We use the irrigator correctly:

pour water into it
add rinse aid
turn on a certain power
direct the water flow closer to the gums
go through each interdental space

Use this device every day, preferably before bedtime. Now you know, how to properly brush your teeth irrigator and what it is used for.

How to brush your teeth with baking soda?

Soda is used for various purposes:

for washing clothes
wash the dishes
helps with heartburn
disinfects the mouth
cleans teeth

At first glance, it may seem that soda is a safe remedy, but there are some nuances that you need to know about before brushing your teeth with it. So, using baking soda for brushing your teeth is simple, put some toothpaste on the brush and add a pinch of baking soda - and brush your teeth as usual. The advantages of this method:

Availability - such a tool is on the shelf in any home, and buying it is not a problem, especially since the price of such products is low.
The result can be seen after several times of application.

There are also disadvantages:

abrasive agent, promotes the erasure of tooth enamel
the result of such cleaning is short-lived, and you will have to use it constantly to whiten your teeth
getting on soft tissues in the oral cavity, it can cause bleeding of the gums and their redness
frequent use of soda leads to increased tooth sensitivity

The tool in question can be called effective, but, unfortunately, unsafe.

How to properly brush your teeth with braces?

Braces are a device for straightening teeth. Such a "construction" must be worn for a sufficiently long time (the duration of the period depends on the complexity of the curvature of the teeth), which means that it is necessary to learn how to brush your teeth when this device is installed on them. There is nothing difficult about this:

in this case, you can use a regular brush, an electric brush, an irrigator, and even dental floss (if possible)
the method of cleaning is similar to the method of getting rid of food debris on the teeth without braces

The only caveat is that it is necessary to carefully use the brush so as not to displace or damage the “design” installed on the teeth.

How to brush children's teeth properly?

A child from an early age needs brushing his teeth, but how brushing children's teeth properly, especially since most of them completely refuse to open their mouths for the adventures of the procedure in question, we will find out right now.

Ingenuity and modern technologies come to the rescue. So, let's start our lesson:

Turn on cartoons for children that tell them that brushing their teeth is useful and not painful at all, and besides, it’s interesting
Buy a brush for your child in the form of his favorite cartoon character
Install the application on a PC or phone with a game in which you need to take care of an animal:

feed him
brush his teeth
put to bed

A child should not be forced to brush his teeth, because such an approach will only aggravate the situation and cause the child to hate this process. It is necessary to act cunningly, to make the child himself want to brush his teeth.

Leave the bathroom door open so your child can watch you brush your teeth every day.
When working with a child, come up with games where the child cleans and treats his teeth with his toys.
First, let the child brush his teeth with just a brush without toothpaste.
When he gets used to and will not refuse to take the brush in his hands, gradually add paste to the brush
Explain that the foam from the paste should be spit out, not swallowed.

Teaching a child to brush their teeth is not a problem, the main thing is to find the right approach.

It is necessary to brush your teeth every day, not skipping this process and not forgetting about it. You need to understand that it is the regularity of this process that can make your smile irresistible, there will be no unpleasant smell in your mouth, and your teeth will be healthy.

Video: How to brush your teeth?

The name "Floss" comes from the English "Floss" or "Toothpick".

This is a special thread that is used to clean the side surface of the teeth and the interdental space from pieces of food. The toothbrush is not able to penetrate there, and therefore the regular use of the floss significantly reduces the likelihood of microbes and caries developing in these places.

Their main purpose is to remove dirt in the gaps between the teeth.

It is important to know: flosses can damage the gums, and therefore should be used with caution.

Kinds

Dental floss is divided into two large groups:

Waxed: they are impregnated with wax, which does not allow the thread to delaminate. It helps to glide better on the surface and is suitable for use by beginners. This type of floss is easy to tear.
Unwaxed: when cleaning, such threads delaminate into several thin threads. This allows you to clean your teeth faster and better, but they are recommended only for experienced people, otherwise the gums can be damaged.

According to the material used, there are two types of threads:

From natural material: they are also called silk. This thread is thinner and breaks more easily, but does not cause irritation.
From artificial material: nylon, acetate or nylon. They are more durable, but due to the difference in the origin of the materials, they may not be used by everyone.

Note: there is also a Superfloss thread - it includes a variety of materials.

According to the cross section, the threads are divided into:

Flat: The thinnest floss that is suitable for brushing your teeth, the distance between which is minimal.
Round: can be used to clean wide interdental spaces.
Volumetric: their diameter increases when water or saliva gets on the thread. This helps to regulate the size of the thread.

According to the method of application, they differ:

Regular Floss: These are regular floss in containers that anyone can use.
Hand flossers: They look like threads stretched over a comfortable slingshot-like handle. They are more convenient to use than simple flosses.
Electric flossers: thanks to the huge number of attachments, they are even suitable for cleaning braces with your own hands.

Brushing with a flosser is more convenient but less thorough because the floss does not fit as tightly as with "manual" adjustment. Additionally, flosses can be impregnated with some useful agents: fluoride, sodium fluoride, antiseptic or flavorings. They help to strengthen the side walls of the teeth, thoroughly disinfect the space and freshen the breath.

Mode of application

Applying dental floss is quite simple: just look at the training photos or videos. The procedure takes place in several steps:

It is necessary to cut a piece of 30-40 cm.
Then you need to wind the ends of the thread around two index fingers, leaving about 5 cm free.
Pressing the thread with your thumbs, you need to pass it between your teeth and move it up and down several times to remove the dirt.
After you need to unwind a little thread and hold a new piece between the next teeth.

Doctor's comment: it is impossible to use the same section of the thread for several intervals - this is unhygienic and can lead to infection. It is necessary to move the thread by unwinding a little from your finger.

When using the floss, it is important to be careful with the gums: pressing the floss on them can lead to cuts and injuries. A little bleeding is acceptable the first few times of use while habituation occurs, but if the gums do not respond well to flossing for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

How to choose

Ease of use and thoroughness of cleaning depend on the correct choice of floss. Only a dentist can choose the best option: he will assess the condition of the teeth, the distance between them and help to understand the intricacies of the procedure.

For the first time, it is worth using a waxed thread: thanks to the wax coating, it glides easily over the enamel. After a while, it will be possible to switch to unwaxed options.

It is important to remember that flosses have some contraindications, which the dentist should also warn about. These include:

Caries: when cleaning a tooth affected by caries, there is a high probability of breaking off a piece of enamel, which, in turn, will lead to serious problems;
Bleeding gums: if the gums are too sensitive, flossing can lead to sores;
The presence of dentures and braces: for such teeth, the dentist must select a certain soft thread so as not to damage the material.

It is forbidden to use an ordinary thread instead of a dental one: it has a different structure and is completely unsuitable for such cleaning.

Popular brands

Popular and sought-after brands include:

"Oral B floss": the company offers several options for threads, among which it is easy to choose the best option. Before buying, it is best to check the parameters of the thread with a dentist.
President: also has a wide range of flosses, each with unique properties. Almost all of them have certain impregnations: sodium chloride, silver, menthol and others.
"Lacalut dental floss": This option is great for beginners. The company offers mint-impregnated waxed thread, which is easy to use.

"Sensodyne": this thread increases in size when wet and becomes softer. It is optimal for sensitive gums;
Colgate: Offers two types of floss - Optic White and Optic Total. The first has antibacterial impregnation, the second prevents the appearance of tartar and freshens breath.
"Rocs": this company is known among smokers and lovers of strong tea and coffee. Like all products of the company, dental floss is designed to polish enamel and remove staining plaque.

In addition to the above brands, the dentist can offer analogues, which may differ. Flossing or flossing helps to better clean the sides of the teeth that can't be reached with a regular brush.

They are easy to use, but you should consult with your dentist before use. This is especially true for children: the doctor must choose the most suitable product for their teeth. It is important to remember that flossing cannot replace brushing your teeth - they only complement it.

How to properly clean your teeth and braces with dental floss (floss), see the following video:

A beautiful, healthy smile always attracts and disposes to itself. There are a lot of brushes, various toothpastes and rinses on the shelves of modern stores. But dentists say that just brushing your teeth is not enough, you need to use additional oral hygiene products. Therefore, today we will figure out how to use dental floss correctly and is it really necessary?

Why do you need a thread

Plaque builds up on a daily basis, leaving a yellow tint on the teeth, providing a comfortable environment for bacteria to thrive. A toothbrush helps to clean it, the problem is that the bristles can clean the front and back walls, but with their help it is impossible to get into the interdental space.

You can cope with pieces of food with a toothpick, although dentists strongly do not recommend doing this, there is a high risk of damaging soft tissues. To clean the plaque between the teeth, to prevent the formation of tartar, you can only use dental floss.

In dentistry, several special terms have appeared to refer to such a procedure. Flossing is brushing your teeth using dental floss, and flossing is the English term for it. To get a good result, you need to choose the right floss.

Classification of dental floss

All division is based on material characteristics, thickness or floss length. You should choose them based on the characteristics of your jaw structure.

Round, flat and ribbon threads. The former do a good job of cleaning, but are not suitable for people with narrow interdental spaces. The second will be able to penetrate into the smallest cracks. Ribbon threads are designed for wide spaces.
The surface of the thread may or may not be waxed, called waxed or unwaxed. The wax floss glides softly and easily over the enamel and remains unified throughout the procedure. Unwaxed thread breaks into fibers, affects a large surface and cleans more effectively. However, using such a product is more difficult.
Brush - floss - a thread attached to a plastic handle, it is more convenient to clean the space between the molars with such a product.

For the prevention of diseases of the oral cavity, threads can be impregnated with therapeutic compounds, the main ones include:

Chlorhexidine, surface disinfectant, antibacterial care.
Sodium chloride is used to strengthen the enamel, it provides the prevention of caries.
Aromatic impregnations do not carry a useful function, menthol is used to freshen breath and create a pleasant feeling of cleanliness.

For those who wear dentures or teeth straightening systems, there is a separate type of floss that combines the characteristics of different types of products, providing maximum efficiency.

Floss and floss

Such funny names were given to new devices invented for convenience. The flosset is similar in structure to a toothbrush, but instead of bristles it has a stretched thread. It is convenient to use on the road or at work. The only disadvantage of the device is the high cost. A new piece of the skein is measured for each tooth, but it cannot be replaced, therefore, when the supply is exhausted, the floss must be disposed of.

The floss is a disposable device. A nylon thread is stretched over a plastic handle; in its structure, the floss resembles a slingshot. In terms of its effectiveness, it is inferior to dental floss, but it is more convenient to take it on the road, use it as a handy tool.

Whatever thread you choose, before buying, you should make sure that you have no contraindications to its use.

Contraindications

Dental floss can easily damage the gums, injure the mucous membrane, and therefore create a path for infection. To minimize the risk of complications, you should make sure that you do not have the following problems:

Bleeding and inflammation of the gums, floss can damage the delicate mucous membrane.
Caries, damaged enamel is easy to chip off.
Bridge implants or crowns require special hygiene items.

If none of the points apply to you, then you can start caring for your teeth with a floss. The main thing is to follow some rules.

Floss technique

Most people have flossed at least once and can attest that it doesn't require any special skills. But you need to take some precautions so as not to harm the health of your teeth and gums.

It is necessary to apply the thread before cleaning with a paste and brush.
Wash your hands and prepare a piece of the required length in advance, 40 cm is a convenient size.
For comfortable use, wind the length as follows: most of the thread is wound on the middle finger of one hand, the tip is wound on the middle finger of the other hand. As a result, a segment of 5-7 cm remains in the middle, which you work with. Change the spacing of the floss for each tooth so as not to carry plaque and germs.
Pull the thread between your fingers and gently insert it into the space between the teeth, be careful, the movements should be smooth, as the thread can cause a deep wound. The floss should be pressed against the enamel. Make 5-7 movements up and down, this will be enough.
Do the same for each tooth.

The technique seems very simple, but at the same time it requires some skills.

Don't rush, don't use brute force.
Never use a regular woven thread, it will not be able to glide over the enamel as smoothly.
If your gums start to bleed after the first cleaning, don't stop flossing. At first, such a reaction is acceptable, soon the gums will get stronger, blood microcirculation in them will improve and the discomfort will disappear.
You can not neglect the rules for changing the section of the thread or reuse it.

When the main points of using floss are indicated, it is worth paying attention to children's oral hygiene.

Dental floss for children

Children's teeth need proper hygiene just as much as adults. If the independent use of floss can be entrusted to a child of 8-10 years old, then it is possible to acquaint him with the device under the supervision of parents earlier.

Parents need to explain to the baby why the thread is needed, what precautions should be taken. Children's gums are even more tender and easily injured. Please note that care must be taken when changing milk teeth to molars, when the root is loose and the base of the tooth opens.

It is better for adults and children to floss their teeth after each meal, if this is not possible, then carry out a full procedure in the evening. An integrated approach will provide the best result, so combine the use of a brush, paste, floss and rinse aid.

Possible Complications

There is an opinion among dentists that dental floss can damage the structure of the tooth and adversely affect its condition. The evidence for this theory is based on cases of incorrect application of the thread.

Inflammation of the gums appears as a result of wounds and microcracks caused by flossing. Careful attitude to soft tissues will help to avoid them, and subsequent rinsing of the oral cavity can prevent the risk of infection.

Sometimes patients forget that dental floss cannot be considered as an independent means of hygiene. The space between the teeth is 40% of the total, so you can’t do without a brush.

If the gums bleed for a long time, then you should consult a doctor. Perhaps you suffer from periodontitis and the use of floss is contraindicated for you.

The above arguments suggest that the benefits of flossing far outweigh the disadvantages. Its correct application will lead to strengthening the health of teeth and gums, maintaining a beautiful smile for a long time.

How to use dental floss - video

Regular and high-quality cleaning of the oral cavity is the key to healthy teeth and gums. A toothbrush is indispensable for these purposes, but it has one significant drawback - it cleans only the surface of the teeth, without penetrating into hard-to-reach places. To completely remove food debris, another device is needed, which is called floss or dental floss. How to choose and use floss correctly so that it brings maximum benefit?

What is floss for?

Human teeth have five surfaces: external, internal, chewing, cutting edge, as well as two lateral surfaces. Most of all food debris accumulates on the side surfaces or between the teeth, where the toothbrush simply cannot reach.

"Deposits" and plaque that are in the interdental spaces also cause gum disease, so they should be disposed of as often as possible (preferably after each meal).

It is for these purposes that flosses are used, because neither a toothbrush, nor chewing gum, nor a toothpick is effective enough to clean the side surfaces of the teeth.

Floss varieties

Dental floss, presented in stores and pharmacies, differ in the material of manufacture, cross section and other characteristics. Each variety has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when choosing a floss.

Table. Types of floss according to the material of manufacture.

Material	Advantages	Flaws
	No harmful substances, good cleaning properties	Low strength
	Small diameter, high strength, durable	Relatively low efficiency
	High efficiency, strength, durability	High price

By the nature of the section, flosses can be round or flat. Round ones are suitable for people with large gaps, while flat ones are suitable for those with narrow gaps between their teeth.

Some manufacturers of dental floss coat them with wax - waxed floss is easy to use, but does not clean between teeth as well as unwaxed floss.

In addition, low-quality waxed floss can leave microscopic pieces of wax between the teeth, which is why the effect of their use is minimized.

Also, some flosses are impregnated with special compounds that contribute to better cleaning of the teeth and maintain the health of the oral cavity in order. Materials used to impregnate dental floss include:

sodium fluoride - prevents caries and strengthens enamel;
chlorhexidine - has a disinfectant and antiseptic effect;
neutral polymers - reduce the coefficient of friction and help the floss clean the interdental spaces as efficiently as possible;
antiseptics - restore the microflora of the oral cavity and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria;
menthol - freshens breath and makes the process of brushing your teeth much more pleasant.

Usually flosses are produced in the form of skeins, packed in special containers, which are equipped with a cutter. Some are equipped with a special handle that facilitates the process of cleaning the oral cavity, and electric flosses are considered the most convenient - they perform all the necessary manipulations without human intervention (similar to the principle of an electric toothbrush).

Contraindications to the use of floss

Like any other dental device, dental floss has a number of contraindications for use. First of all, this is the presence of carious cavities in the teeth - the use of flossing can lead to chipping of hard tissues.

With other acute diseases, dental floss should also be abandoned until the sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out.

How to use floss?

In order for dental floss to bring maximum benefit, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for using the device.

How to use dental floss - oral hygiene, cleaning gums from food debris

Step 1. Wash your hands well with soap.

Step 2 Cut off a piece of floss about 45 cm long.

Step 3 Wind the ends of the floss around the index or middle fingers of both palms (some people find it convenient to clean the interdental spaces with the thumb and forefinger of one hand), leaving a free gap of at least 2.5 cm between them. You can use a special floss holder (flossette or flosser), resembling a two-pronged fork.

Silver Care Set - Dental Floss & Fork Holder

Step 4 Place the floss between your teeth until it touches your gums. After that, gently move the floss, cleaning the side surfaces of the teeth. When moving from one tooth to another, use a clean area of the floss.

Step 5 Using caution, remove the used floss and then discard it (it is not recommended to brush your teeth again with a floss that has been in use).

Safety

In dental practice, it is not uncommon for people to damage their gums when using flosses. To avoid such troubles, you need to know the safety precautions when using dental floss.

Dental floss should not be used too often - for effective cleaning of the oral cavity, 1-2 times a day is enough. In addition, flossing cannot replace a toothbrush and other dental care products.

What are superflosses?

People with crowns, bridges or braces are recommended to use the so-called superflosses - devices that combine the functions of different types of dental floss. They consist of three types of fiber - it is hard, absorbent and ordinary, which is used to make conventional floss. The hard parts of the device easily penetrate between the parts of the bracket systems and between the bridges, absorbent well adsorb plaque from hard-to-reach places, and the usual floss allows you to clean areas free of orthodontic structures.

The algorithm for using superfloss is as follows.

Step 1. Wash your hands well.

Step 2 Insert the thin end of the superfloss under the arch of the bracket system or dental bridge, pull the floss until the absorbent area of the device is located in the area to be cleaned.

Step 3 Perform back and forth movements, cleaning teeth and orthodontic structures from plaque and food debris.

Well-known manufacturers of floss

Floss is produced by companies that produce toothpastes, brushes and other oral hygiene products. When choosing a device, it is better to give preference to well-known brands that have proven themselves in the market.

Can regular floss be used instead of floss?

Flossing is a convenient and effective tool for cleaning interdental spaces, but there are times when it is not available. Can regular floss be used to clean teeth? Theoretically, this is possible, but in this case, there is a high probability of damaging the gum tissue and infecting, therefore, in the absence of floss, it is better to use a regular toothpick.

Floss is a convenient and effective oral hygiene product that, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of caries and other dental diseases by 15-20%.