Rules for choosing and using dental floss. How should you use dental floss correctly? Flossing

The main cause of oral diseases is bacteria that actively multiply on its surfaces. Regular neglect of the rules of personal hygiene leads to an uncontrolled increase in their number and the most tragic consequences, which a person has every chance to avoid.

To keep our teeth clean and healthy are toothbrushes of all kinds, various pastes and very effective flosses. True, not many people know about the latter, and only a few use them. And this despite the fact that the effectiveness of their use has long been proven by experts.

Need to use

Dental floss or floss is designed to provide hygiene to the most inaccessible places in the oral cavity, where a regular brush, no matter what functions it has, is simply not able to penetrate. This refers to the interdental spaces and cervical areas.

Food that remains in these places after eating becomes an ideal habitat for bacteria. Since it is impossible to clean these areas with a brush, even with a strong desire, the bacteria remaining there continue their activity. As a result, plaque forms, which turns into stone, acidity increases, and the enamel suffers.

All these factors ultimately lead to the formation of caries and inflammation in the gum tissue. To answer the question of how often to use dental floss, you only need to understand the need for its use.

Good oral hygiene every time after eating is the only thing that can keep your mouth healthy. This concept precisely includes the entire range of measures for cleaning the surfaces of teeth, including interdental spaces. Therefore, it is so important to learn how to use floss and apply it as intended several times a day.

Choosing the right one

You can find several types of floss at the pharmacy. It should be chosen based on anatomical features jaw structure(size of interdental spaces, sensitivity of gums, condition of enamel).

The floss itself is a nylon fiber twisted into a tight spool, which during operation is stratified into individual threads, thereby achieving best effect. There are several varieties:

They can be round or flat in shape. The former provide the best contact with the surface being cleaned, but cannot always penetrate into the most inaccessible places. Flat threads are designed for cleaning the smallest interdental spaces, when the teeth are in very close contact with each other.
The surface of the floss can be waxed or unwaxed. If you are just starting to use this device, then it is better to choose waxed floss. Its surface, treated with wax, remains uniform throughout the entire procedure, is in softer and more gentle contact with the enamel and surface of the gums and does not cause damage.
At the same time, unwaxed floss has better cleaning properties. It is this that is stratified into individual fibers, which are used to process a large surface.

In addition, there are special threads impregnated various compositions for the treatment and prevention of oral diseases. Depending on the disturbing factor, you can choose a thread that can strengthen the enamel, suppress the number of bacteria, and freshen breath.

Detailed instructions for use

Photo: how to use dental floss - procedure

Anyone who has ever used floss will confirm that it is not at all difficult to do. Some may need a little skill, but in the end the procedure itself will take you no more than a few minutes.

So, let's start with preparation: you need to wash your hands, prepare a piece of thread approximately 40 cm long. We remind you that the procedure is carried out before the main cleaning with a brush and paste.
For correct and effective use floss must be wound around your fingers in a certain way: on middle finger Several full turns (most of the thread) are wound on one hand, and the tip is wound on the middle finger of the other hand. As a result, the entire segment with a free middle of 5-7 cm should be wound on your fingers.
To clean the surface of one tooth, it is enough to use only a small part of the thread, 2-3 cm. We grab this segment with our free fingers and carefully place it in the interdental space. Perform all movements smoothly so as not to damage the gums.
Press the floss onto the surface to be cleaned and begin to slide it up and down over the enamel with sawing movements. To get a high-quality result, it is enough to perform this “exercise” 5 times.
Having cleared one gap, the piece of thread must be changed. Make one turn on each finger involved (the used part should end up wrapped around the finger with less material, leaving a clean piece in the working plane).
In this way, all interdental spaces are treated. Particular attention should be paid to cleaning the molars, the front part of which is poorly accessible, but also needs to be cleansed from bacteria.

While flossing, pay attention to the condition of your gums. If you notice that bleeding has begun, you should stop brushing and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Perhaps you chose the wrong thread, or you were too active with it. Then next time you just need to take this experience into account. But in some cases, such a reaction of the gums may indicate an incipient disease, and cause a visit to the dentist.

It is worth paying special attention to the use of such thread when wearing dentures and braces.

If you wear dentures, then in your oral cavity automatically there are several more “secluded” places for bacteria to multiply than in a person who does not have such a need.

However, not all dentists approve of using dental floss to clean them. If handled improperly, the prosthesis can be damaged, and then you will have to spend time and money to correct the situation.

On the other hand, with fixed prosthetics, it often turns out that parts of the crown protrude slightly above the gum or cut into the apex of the root. As a result, additional “pockets” appear in which bacteria actively multiply.

This process leads to accelerated destruction of the bonding material and the remaining tooth under the denture. Then using dental floss may be completely justified, but the work must be done very carefully.

But if you have installed a braces system, then dental floss is mandatory should be in your bathroom along with the brush. In this case, the floss is selected with special hard ends, and is used to clean the interdental space above the metal arch in the case of upper teeth, and under it when cleaning the lower teeth.

The following video will clearly show us how to use dental floss:

How to use flossstick and flosset correctly?

Using traditional dental floss is certainly very effective, but it is not the most aesthetically pleasing procedure. To simplify the process itself, some devices have been invented to make cleaning the interdental spaces more comfortable and, so to speak, elegant.

The so-called flosssticks and flossets have become very widespread in European countries, and today we have the opportunity to use them.

Flosset

A device whose main purpose is to make the flossing procedure simpler and more understandable. This is especially important for those who find it difficult to clean their teeth manually (elderly, people with special jaw structure).

The flossette has the shape of a regular brush, but instead of bristles, a special thread is stretched. To clean each tooth, a new piece is pulled, which ensures complete hygiene of the interdental spaces.

The device is easy to use, but it takes a significant toll on your pocket. It is impossible to replace the thread in it, therefore, after using up the entire supply, you have to buy a new device.

Flossstick

It is a plastic frame with a special disposable nylon thread stretched between the ends. In addition, the floss stick has a pointed tip, vaguely reminiscent of a familiar toothpick. The material from which it is made bends well, which eliminates the need to open your mouth wide during the procedure.

Using a floss stick is quite simple - you need to insert the thread threaded into the frame into the interdental space and, performing the usual up and down movements, clean the contaminated surface.

And yet, in terms of quality of cleansing, it is inferior to ordinary thread. With it, you will no longer be able to clean the space under the gums well; the floss stick can be traumatic in some cases.

The situation can be aggravated by poor quality installed crown with overhanging sharp edges that can easily break the thread. In addition, flossstick simply may not suit someone. The thickness of its thread is considered optimal, but not ideal for every case.

Another disadvantage of floss stick is the price. Despite its availability (at retail you can buy it for 2 rubles), in comparison with regular bobbin thread, it turns out to be quite an expensive pleasure.

Flossstick can be called an excellent way to replace traditional thread in special cases. For example, after dinner in a restaurant, in the office, etc.

Whatever option you choose for yourself, the main thing is to develop the habit of flossing every time you start cleaning your mouth, as well as after every meal. Of course, if it is important for you to maintain your health for many years. Good health to you!

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Dental floss helps clean areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Its second name is floss. If you need to thoroughly clean the space between your teeth, then this is exactly what you need. After all toothbrush unable to reach many areas. This is where thread comes to the rescue. But it is very important to use it correctly, as well as select it correctly. We will find out in detail what types of dental floss are, what they are used for, and how to choose them successfully. The surface that is between the teeth is called contact by dentists. This is the surface in the dentition that faces adjacent tooth. If you calculate their area, it will be approximately 40% of the entire surface of the tooth.

So, floss, or dental floss, is an excellent device that will help you manually quickly and effectively clean the surface of your teeth from plaque. The shape of the thread helps to penetrate into the narrowest gaps between the teeth. This is very important, especially if your teeth are quite close together. Different shape The cross-section of the thread serves different purposes. A flatter floss penetrates between teeth better, while a rounder floss is able to grab more harmful plaque. Now modern industry offers very high quality flosses. They are not only made of durable and hygienic materials, but are also impregnated. Such impregnation can even help strengthen the enamel. Floss copes well with the heaviest plaque. This thread is very strong, therefore the most sharp teeth she is not afraid.

There is also the so-called superfloss. This is one of the types of floss. Its structure has its own characteristics. It consists of three components at once:

A part that is very similar to regular floss;
Spongy and quite fleecy nylon, which can stretch greatly;
Solid durable fiber.

If you want to clean your teeth as effectively as possible, then choose superfloss. It is as much as 60% more effective than regular thread.

Flossing won't be your primary method of cleaning, but it's a great addition to your toothbrush. We have undeservedly forgotten about such a useful accessory. It seems to us that with such a huge range of brushes, you can choose the most effective one for cleaning the entire surface of the teeth. But even the most expensive brush will not be able to penetrate all areas of the dentition. This is where the thread comes to the rescue. It can be used both before and after brushing your teeth. If you think logically, you should floss before brushing your teeth. First, you carefully clean out food debris from hard-to-reach places, and then consolidate the effect by cleaning with a brush. It is important to use the thread systematically, then you will get the desired effect. It is important to know how to use dental floss in order to thoroughly clean the interdental space without injuring the gums. In order for this effect to occur, you need to floss at least twice a day. This should be done in the morning and also in the evening immediately before cleaning. But this is not enough. It is best if you floss after every meal. Naturally, you will not be able to do this at work or at a party. But while you are at home, it is worth developing a similar good habit. Not only your teeth, but also your gums will thank you for it. Your task in this case is to carefully remove all food debris from the interdental space.

There are times when you shouldn't use it too often. dental floss. Sometimes there may be increased sensitivity gums In case of such sensitivity, the thread should be used less often so as not to increase this sensitivity. Then do not use floss after meals and in the morning; it will be enough to use it only before evening brushing. There are also contraindications for using threads. This is, first of all, a disease such as periodontal disease. The problem is that with this disease the gum tissue becomes inflamed. And since the thread can irritate the surface of the gums, especially if used ineptly, it should be abandoned in case of periodontal disease.

So why use dental floss?

The fact is that it is the surface between the teeth that is most vulnerable to the development of all kinds of diseases. As studies have shown, it is in the interdental space that caries most often occurs. No matter how advertising would have us believe magical properties modern brushes, but the longest and thinnest bristles cannot reach such hard-to-reach places. Even the most expensive and multifunctional brush will be powerless against cleaning 40% of the surface of the teeth. Another problem is that such places are difficult to even visually inspect. That is why it is there that various deviations and diseases begin to develop.

Some of us have never used this type of dental technology in our lives. We don't even know how to floss properly. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that every time we go to the dentist, he discovers caries, periodontal disease and similar “little things”. We do not even assume that we could have avoided these problems quite simply. But caries and periodontal disease are a direct road to tooth loss!

If previously dental floss was exotic and practically never found on sale, now any store or pharmacy will offer you a whole assortment of flosses. Don't be afraid to experiment! Buy one that falls into the mid-price category and start mastering the technique of cleaning your teeth with dental floss. It's not as difficult as it might seem. The main thing is to get a little practice and understand the principle of such cleaning. Even though not everything will work out right away, even if it takes some time to get the desired result. certain time, but you will really take care of the health of your teeth. It is possible that you will soon notice that your dental problems have decreased significantly. We will help you figure out how to use floss correctly. It is quite possible that after several months of using floss, you will even start taking it with you. Well, it’s high time for it to take the most prominent place on the bathroom shelf.

How to choose the right floss

To begin with, it is important to buy high-quality floss. You will be faced with a choice - where is it better to buy floss, in a store or in a pharmacy? Since it's still an accessory medical purposes, then it is better to purchase it at the pharmacy. It's important to know what there is different types dental floss. You need to choose the type that suits your teeth shape.

Types of floss regarding the shape of their section:

Flat. Their purpose is to thoroughly clean teeth, which are pressed very tightly together.
Round. They are suitable for those who have a fairly large space between their teeth. If you cut such a thread, you will get a circle of the correct shape.

Flosses can sometimes be impregnated with purified wax. Or they may not be waxed. What is wax used for? It helps hold the thread fibers together. Thanks to the presence of wax, they do not delaminate. There are also flosses without wax. They separate well into threads. Thanks to this, they are able to clean a significantly larger area of tooth enamel. This property helps it better remove plaque and food debris.

According to dentists, initial stage When getting acquainted with dental floss, it is best to opt for waxed flat floss. This type of floss will help your teeth get used to this new method of brushing.

Types of floss relative to the material from which they are made

There are several other types of floss depending on the material from which they are made:

Teflon. They are made from a single thread that has no fibers.
Nylon. The structure of nylon threads is radically different from Teflon. They consist of several fibers combined into one thread. This floss may be unwaxed or waxed.

Teflon thread is considered more convenient. It will not separate into fibers or tear from friction against teeth. This great option for beginners. But in general, both of these types of fibers do an excellent job with their main task - removing food debris from the teeth. Therefore, you yourself can choose what you like. Everything is individual. You can try both and choose the one that turns out to be most convenient for you.

Sometimes you can notice that the floss has been treated with something. You're right. Indeed, dental floss can be treated with special impregnation. This is done not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to prevent caries. Such impregnation can affect the characteristics of the enamel. She can even strengthen it. After using this impregnated thread, a pleasant soft taste remains in the mouth. The following substances are used for impregnation:

Chlorhexidine. This substance is well known for its disinfectant properties. It is used, for example, in gynecology.
Sodium fluoride solution. As you know, fluoride perfectly strengthens enamel, so this solution can strengthen your teeth.
Menthol or fruit flavoring solutions. These options serve more of an aesthetic function than a therapeutic one. They freshen your breath and give a good aftertaste.

If you wear plates or braces, you can also use dental floss. It is also suitable for owners of orthodontic dentures. In all these cases, a special floss is used. It combines the characteristics of several types of threads. At one end, this floss is narrow and non-fibrous. This allows it to penetrate well between the teeth. But the second end of this floss is wider and more fibrous. It perfectly cleans food debris from braces, dentures or plates. If a person wears braces or plates, then using floss is very important, as it is necessary to remove food debris even more often.

Dental floss can differ quite a lot in its appearance. Most often they are packaged in boxes. This box contains one skein. The standard length of floss in a skein is 50 meters. The box should have a lid and a convenient cutter to cut the floss to the required length. There are other floss options on sale. For example, there are threads that are already built into a separate holder, which is made of plastic. In appearance, this thread is very similar to a slingshot. Their advantage is compactness. This is a great option for use on the road or outside the home. It fits perfectly in a small purse and will always be at your fingertips.

How to use floss correctly

So, we come to the main topic of our article. How to use floss correctly? It is very important to master the technique of using it. After all, correct use of floss is a guarantee that you will clean the interdental space efficiently and painlessly. It is best if your dentist explains the technique of cleaning your teeth with floss. If it is not yet possible to see him, then carefully read our recommendations and try to strictly follow them. The main thing is to understand the operating principle of this simple device. It will take quite a bit of time for everything to start working out. And with experience, you will no longer have to think about the nuances of such cleaning. This process will be brought almost to automation. Let's look at the steps from beginning to end of cleaning.

You need to take the thread cartridge in your hands. You will need to carefully pull out about 40-50 cm of floss. If you are doing this for the first time and are afraid of making a mistake, then you can simply use a ruler. Then you can do it without her. The eye gauge will tell you the correct length.
Next you will need your right hand. For left-handed people it may be the left. You need to wrap one end of the floss around your middle finger. Wind the other end onto the same finger of your left hand. You should try to do this manipulation in such a way that one finger only fixes the floss, and the main thread is all wound around the other finger. Between these fingers you will need to leave a piece of thread about 10 cm. This length will be enough to make cleaning convenient. Between the index finger on your left hand and thumb on the right you need to securely fix the floss.
Next, pull the thread tightly, open your mouth wider and carefully insert the floss into the space between the teeth. Be as careful as possible to avoid causing injury to your gums. There is no need to make any effort. Your movements should be smooth and easy. Gently press the floss against the side of the tooth. Then start moving up and down on this surface. It is enough to make no more than 6-7 such movements. Please note that the thread must also be brought slightly beyond the edge of the gum. This will help remove food debris from under the gums. It is very important to do this, because it is this ability to go behind the gum that distinguishes floss from a toothbrush. At the same time, you will be able to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places behind the gum. But do not apply force and do not press the floss on the gum, so as not to damage the delicate papilla on it. The floss should be pressed against the tooth and movements should be made towards its cutting surface. Make movements back and forth, and then down and up. There is no need to reach the gum so as not to injure it. This is the main and most important manipulation with the thread. After this you can floss back. This is what flossing is all about.
This cleaning must be done with each tooth of the lower and upper row. For each new tooth, use a new clean section of floss. That's why we measured as much as 40-50 cm.

Using floss, although quite simple, this process has its own subtleties. It is important not to use brute force, but to develop the ability to do it smoothly and carefully. Due to its fairly soft structure, floss is not capable of causing any harm to the enamel. This sets it apart from a brush. But it can harm the gums. But only if you use it too roughly and incorrectly. You also don't need to floss too often. This can also have a detrimental effect on the health of your gums. Remember, if you injure your gums, bacteria from your teeth will get directly into the wound. This can provoke complications such as stomatitis, periodontitis, and gingivitis. At the initial stages of using floss, you can even rinse your mouth with special disinfectant solutions to prevent germs from getting into small wounds.

The second common mistake is the desire to save thread. If you think that half a meter is too much long length for floss, we hasten to convince you otherwise. This length is barely enough for you to properly process the surface of all teeth. After all, for each tooth you will need a new section of floss. Don't try to use one section of floss on multiple teeth. After all, the task of the thread is to remove food debris, and with it microbes. What happens? You have cleaned one tooth of germs. They remained on the thread. You begin to brush another tooth with the same floss and successfully transfer all the microbes to it. This will lead to the fact that you will not clean the interdental surface, but will only transfer microbes from one tooth to another. This is why it is so important to designate a new section of floss for each new area of teeth. This way you will thoroughly clean all your teeth, and not just the first ones that you brushed with clean floss.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about using floss. You just need a little skill and patience. Try to take your time and treat the space between all teeth. The hardest part will be brushing the side teeth, but over time, you will develop the necessary skill. The main thing is to do this regularly.

Even though floss is not a complicated device for cleaning teeth, it also needs to be used correctly. This will determine how successful and safe the cleaning will be. It is important not to injure the delicate surface of the gums. So, tips for using thread:

If you use the floss incorrectly, pull it too sharply or apply too much force, you can cause a cut to the gum. Sometimes these cuts can be quite deep and painful. They take a long time to heal. Therefore, do not apply much effort and do not make sudden movements with the thread. There's no need to rush. It's better to spend the extra five minutes and get a good result.
Please note that regular floss is absolutely not suitable for brushing your teeth. Despite its apparent simplicity, dental floss is made from high-quality and durable fibers. In addition, it has its own unique surface structure, which ensures smooth gliding and contact with a large surface area of the tooth.
If, after you first started flossing, you notice that your gums are bleeding, do not be alarmed and immediately stop flossing. This is acceptable and quite normal. But pay attention to ensure that this does not happen again in the future. At the initial stage, bleeding is allowed. After all, your gums need to get used to such cleaning a little, and you need to get used to it. Using floss helps improve blood circulation in the gums. Thanks to this, it will soon get stronger and stop bleeding. But if even after a week the bleeding has not gone away, you need to go to the dentist. The point here is not your inexperience, but the fact that gums have hidden diseases.
Used dental floss should be thrown away. It cannot be reused, as bacteria settle on its surface.
If bleeding begins while flossing, this is not at all a reason to refuse such an important hygienic procedure. As we have already mentioned, bleeding in the first days of using the thread is quite acceptable. Just try to be more careful when cleaning.
If you have braces, plates or crowns, it is better to use superfloss rather than regular floss. It is more suitable for such difficult cleaning. The method of using superfloss is the same as with regular floss - carefully insert it between the teeth and clean the surface with smooth movements.

Let us also remind you that in case of periodontal disease, periodontitis, or in the presence of extensive caries with the formation of cavities, floss cannot be used. If you have braces or bridges, flossing is possible. However, it must be used with extreme caution.

So, floss will help remove plaque on the surface of the teeth that is not so easy to reach with a brush. This is the so-called interdental space. It makes up 40% of the entire surface of the teeth, so you need to pay attention special attention cleaning it.

Important for the health of gums and teeth careful hygiene oral cavity. However, brushing alone is often not enough. It is necessary to remove food debris from the interdental spaces.

With ineffective oral hygiene, plaque forms after each meal, which leads to caries. In addition, it is not always possible to brush your teeth immediately after eating. The modern rhythm of life simply does not allow this. For example, at work. In this case, it is advisable to use a special floss to clean your teeth. Another name for this device is floss. Doctors advise using it several times a day, as well as additionally cleaning the space between the teeth before bed, after the usual brushing. Why do you need dental floss? It prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth during sleep. This hygiene aid can be very helpful, but before purchasing the right floss, you should learn how to use dental floss correctly.

Today there is a wide range of these dental products. Appearance different flosses are widely presented in the gallery of our website. You can choose the one that suits you by studying the video and photos. Dental floss, depending on the material of manufacture, can be natural or artificial. The first types of products are made from silk, and the second are based on non-natural, but no less durable materials: acetate, nylon or nylon.

Floss is effective additional means oral hygiene

When choosing this hygiene product, there is no clear answer to the question of which dental floss is better. The fact is that the bite, shape and condition of teeth are different for all people. Therefore, when purchasing floss, it is better to consult a dentist. Your doctor will individually select one or another type of hygiene accessories.

According to their shape, there are flat, ribbon and round flosses. Using flat devices, it is convenient to clean the narrow spaces between teeth. Round ones are used for large gaps between teeth, and strip flosses are prescribed for cosmetic defects in the position of the incisors (diastema) or for significant gaps between other teeth (trema). Understand this large quantities dental devices is, at first glance, a difficult task. However, today many people understand how necessary floss is sometimes. How to choose and how to use this product correctly is worth studying in detail.

They also produce voluminous products that, in contact with saliva in the oral cavity, become larger and fluff up. This makes it possible to thoroughly clean the space between the teeth without damaging the soft gum tissue.

Some models of cleaning threads are impregnated with wax. This allows the floss to easily glide between your teeth to clean them.

Appearance of waxed dental floss

Dentists prescribe such waxed products to people who are using such hygiene products for the first time. Wax-coated models are much more convenient to use. They make brushing your teeth comfortable. However, unwaxed floss provides better removal of food debris from the mouth and is better at removing plaque. Such threads are separated into fibers and clean the entire surface of the enamel.

There are also threads with and without impregnation. Today flosses saturated with sodium fluoride are produced. They not only perform a hygiene function, but are also an excellent means of caries prevention. These types of floss strengthen the enamel in the part of the tooth surface that is difficult to reach with a brush. Menthol products freshen breath, and threads with chlorhexidine effectively disinfect.

Antibacterial floss

In this case, you can additionally use therapeutic and prophylactic compositions, covering your dental floss with them yourself before the procedure.

There are dental flosses intended for independent use at home and those that are used only in dental clinics under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications to flossing

It should be remembered that self-medication and even simply the wrong selection of hygiene products can play a cruel joke on you. There are a number of dental conditions for which flossing can be dangerous. The main contraindications include:

Bleeding gums due to periodontal disease. With frequent intensive use of floss, wounds may appear on the gums and develop inflammatory process.
Caries. Having cavities in one or more teeth while flossing can also be dangerous. When carrying out the procedure for cleaning interdental spaces, there is a possibility that a piece of the tooth may break off.
Crowns or bridges. If you have orthodontic microprostheses in your mouth, dentists recommend using a special superfloss dental floss. This device combines the functions different types dental floss.

Features of application

For those who are getting floss for the first time, it is useful to know how to properly brush your teeth with dental floss. This device is produced in special packages complete with a small cutter.

Dental floss packaging

Before you floss your teeth, you should make sure you have cut off enough floss. The piece of product that was used to clean one gap cannot be used for other areas. You need to take another piece of thread wound around your fingers.

Floss technique

It is important to choose the right dental floss. First of all, it must be strong and not tear when it is pulled out of the gap between the teeth. Sometimes this happens if there are chips or irregularities on the enamel surface.

Using floss for baby hygiene

Children can be trusted to brush their teeth with floss on their own no earlier than 9–10 years of age. At the same time, acquaintance with this oral hygiene product can be carried out much earlier.

It is very important to teach your child to brush his teeth correctly.

To avoid damage to the gums, the procedure should be carried out under parental supervision. It’s better if mom or dad themselves show the child how to use dental floss for the first time. Photos and detailed instructions floss applications can be found on our website.

It is very important to learn how to use floss correctly, since incorrect use of this dental instrument can lead to gum injury. During the procedure, you should not make unnecessary efforts. If your gums begin to bleed during brushing, you should immediately stop the procedure and rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution. You can resume cleaning only after the bleeding has stopped.

If your gums are injured, it is important to consult a dentist immediately.

If you are sure that you need dental floss, a special step-by-step technique will tell you how to use it correctly:

Need to prepare a piece of floss 40 cm long. Just this piece of thread should be enough for effective cleansing interdental spaces. Remember to use a clean portion of the floss for each area.
Twice wrap the thread around your middle finger right hand . Index finger at the same time remains free. This makes the procedure more convenient.
Then left hand you need to wrap the floss so that the piece of thread in the center was 8–10 cm.
It is recommended to start cleaning from the teeth upper jaw. Need to insert the thread into the spaces between the molars and carefully guide it all the way to the gums. In this case, you cannot put in significant effort.
Should apply the floss to the enamel and run the thread from top to bottom several times. Then you should repeat these steps with the remaining teeth.
After you need pull out the dental floss and wrap the used piece of floss around the finger of your right hand.Insert a clean piece of the product into another interdental space and repeat the procedure.

This sequence of actions will help you properly clean your mouth when using floss for the first time.

The process of brushing teeth with floss

By following these simple recommendations, you can effectively clean the space between your teeth. If you doubt the correctness of carrying out such a hygienic procedure on your own, consult a dentist. The dentist will help you choose the appropriate type of floss and explain how to use such a tool correctly so as not to injure the gingival nipple.

Frequency of flossing

How many times a day should you floss? Normally, this should be done after every meal. If you did not have the opportunity to floss during the day, you need to thoroughly clean your mouth in the evening before going to bed.

For effective hygiene oral cavity, you need to use dental floss regularly

Ideally, you should brush your teeth with a regular brush, then floss, and then use a mouthwash or herbal balm.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

There is an opinion among dentists that the use of dental floss can be harmful to the health of teeth and gums. Despite the many positive feedback Regarding the use of this hygiene product, some doctors claim that flossing can lead to damage to the structure of the teeth.

Everyone knows that healthy teeth and gums are very important for the health of the human body as a whole. Therefore, you should understand how necessary dental floss is in daily oral hygiene. The benefits or harms of such hygiene products require detailed consideration.

What are the benefits of flossing?

If there is no inflammation of the gums, you can safely use dental floss to clean the interdental space and remove plaque. The use of this product will protect the oral cavity from the growth of bacteria and will be an excellent prevention of dental diseases.

Using floss makes it easy to get rid of food debris stuck between teeth and along the edges of the gums where a toothbrush cannot do it.

The main purpose of dental floss is to remove pieces of food stuck between teeth and eliminate bacteria.

Floss allows you to remove food particles stuck between your teeth.

Disadvantages of dental floss

As various studies show, sometimes the use of floss for oral hygiene causes inflammatory processes. As a rule, misuse Dental floss leads to injuries and microscopic scratches of soft tissue. Gums with wounds and damage become vulnerable to the spread of infection. Sometimes this can even lead to tooth loss.

If blood appears while using floss, you should consult a dentist. Periodontitis may be dangerous disease and requires immediate treatment

Do not forget that dental floss is only aid oral hygiene. It cannot completely replace a toothbrush. Traditional brushing combined with flossing will help effectively clean your teeth and gums, keeping them healthy.

If you carry out the procedure according to all the rules and follow the recommendations of your doctor, you can forget about caries and gum disease for a long time. Correct prevention and hygiene will give you a dazzling smile.

Floss is an effective additional means of oral hygiene. Appearance of waxed dental floss. Antibacterial floss. Packaging of dental floss.

Dental floss, or floss, is a relatively new oral care product that has earned the love of dentists around the world. At the same time, ordinary people often question the advisability of using dental floss. Is floss really indispensable if we already brush our teeth every day with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and then use a mouthwash? It turns out that there really is a need, and you will see this by reading the material to the end, and you will also find out whether you can create floss according to the recipe at home.

Dental floss: what is it and what is it for?

Dental plaque coats teeth daily with food debris and creates a comfortable environment for the proliferation of bacteria that cause various dental diseases. A toothbrush helps to effectively clean the front and back surfaces, but the trouble is that its rather large bristles are not able to clean the interdental space. As a result, a breeding ground for bacteria may arise there, causing teeth to turn yellow and bad smell from the mouth.

There is a way out - dental floss will come to the rescue, with which you can quickly and efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity. In dentistry, it is called floss, and the cleaning process with its help is called flossing. The accessory is a device that looks similar to a regular thread, but is made from various durable materials. It is worth talking about the types in more detail.

Types of dental floss

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Before you go to the store for your first thread, it will not hurt you to know that not all of them are the same, and it is not a fact that any one will suit you. It is best to visit a dentist before purchasing, at the same time you will learn everything about the current condition of the oral cavity, the specialist will give you qualified recommendations, and he will also teach you how to use dental floss.
Most manufacturers of oral hygiene products produce all the main varieties, so without preparation it will be easy to get confused about them (see also:). You can see the types of floss in the photo. They vary depending on the purpose cross section and there are:
flat – suitable for cleaning the proximal surface when between healthy teeth gaps of minimum width;
round – for wide interdental spaces;
tape - for even wider areas.

Flosses also differ in the composition of their impregnation:

waxed - impregnated with wax and other medicinal compounds for the prevention of bacterial infection of the oral cavity, most suitable for the narrowest places;
unwaxed - coarse, which due to this clean better;
impregnated with mint, propolis, fluoride and other medicinal preparations;
aromatic – for a more pleasant use: with the aroma of strawberry, mint, etc.

Flosses vary and depending on the problems they are designed to solve, different types are suitable for people with healthy teeth, those who wear braces, have crowns and bridges, or suffer from gum problems:
universal floss for daily use - comes in a spool, the thread is thin, flat, suitable for processing after each meal;
superfloss – recommended for those who, in addition to their teeth, have some orthodontic devices: braces, bridges, dentures;
disposable floss-toothpicks - they look like a piece of thread stretched over a kind of plastic slingshot, useful for those who have to brush their teeth while traveling.

Contraindications for use
Despite the fact that dental floss is an excellent assistant in the matter of oral hygiene, its incorrect and thoughtless use can cause considerable harm to your teeth.
There are a number of dental ailments for which the use of floss is strictly contraindicated:
Caries. When cleaning the interdental space with dental floss in places where there are cavities, there is a danger that a piece of the tooth may break off. If left unattended, it will continue to deteriorate due to daily friction from the floss.
If you have crowns and bridges in your mouth, dentists recommend choosing a thread more carefully. Give preference to threads specially made for people with artificial teeth - superfloss - an invention that combines several types of threads for different types of teeth.
Bleeding gums. Floss can injure weakened gums and introduce infection into open wounds, resulting in an inflammatory process that will require specialist intervention.

The benefits and harms of using hygiene products
Floss as a means of hygiene has a lot of advantages: it is good as a tool for cleaning teeth in hard-to-reach places where a toothbrush cannot penetrate, it protects the oral cavity from exposure harmful bacteria, affordable and suitable for children and adults. It is impossible not to mention the disadvantages:
Can children use dental floss?
Parents often wonder if their children can floss. The answer is definitely “yes”, since children’s teeth need high-quality oral hygiene just as much as adults.
Children 7-8 years old can already be trusted to use dental floss independently, but under the supervision of their parents. With their help, you can entrust the procedure to a child much earlier. Parents should explain why dental floss is needed, why its use is so important for proper cleaning, and most importantly, talk about safety precautions.
It should be remembered that children's teeth and gums are more vulnerable, so floss must be used with great care.
It is important to be especially careful when children are changing their baby teeth to permanent ones, as the floss can get into the gap between the base of the tooth and the gum. It is best to stop flossing altogether at this time.
Dental floss technique
Anyone who has flossed before will confirm that you don't need any special skills to do it. However, dexterity will not hurt, so if you have never brushed your teeth with this device before, you will need a small instruction on how to brush your teeth with dental floss:
How often should you floss your teeth?
Those who have never used dental floss before doubt whether it is advisable to use it daily. This question definitely needs to be answered in the affirmative.
Ideally, you should floss after every meal, but if you don’t have such an opportunity during the day when you are always short of time, then you need to thoroughly clean your teeth before going to bed. Full procedure Cleansing should consist of several stages: first you need to brush your teeth, then floss in places inaccessible to the brush and complete the process by rinsing with a special herbal balm to disinfect the oral cavity.
Is it possible to make dental floss at home?
Beginning floss users are perplexed as to why spend money on a special thread, and think that it can be replaced with regular silk thread for sewing - the effect will be the same. Or they are looking for a recipe on how to make the device themselves at home. Dentists do not think that this is correct; attempts to replace it can result in injury to the oral cavity, infection of the injured areas and a forced visit to the doctor’s office.
It is enough to carefully examine dental floss to understand that it is almost impossible to find analogues to it in everyday life. The main argument in its favor is that its cost is low to risk dental health and look for unequal substitutes.

Since childhood, we have been taught to regularly brush our teeth in the morning. However, many people avoid evening hygiene procedures, not to mention using dental floss. It is much more common to use a toothbrush when trying to tidy up your teeth after eating. Health requires taking care of your body, in particular, the condition of your oral cavity. Dental flosses are gaining more and more popularity every year, especially among those who do not want to spend a lot of money on trips to the dentist.

So, should you floss before or after brushing? Let's look into this issue.

Purpose of use

For some reason, many people have the misleading opinion that you can take any thread (even for sewing) and use it to clean your teeth. One of the latest inventions modern science- floss, dental floss, which is used to clean molars. This allows you to solve the main dental problem - the spread of caries. The disease affects more than half of all adults and many children.

How to floss? The photos posted in the article show this process in detail.

Difference from a toothbrush

A toothbrush cleans teeth only superficially, while the interdental space remains untouched. The teeth are very close to each other, so even ultra-fine bristles will not be able to properly clean the internal surfaces. Food remaining between the teeth not only causes bad breath, but also becomes an excellent habitat for pathogenic bacteria.

How to properly brush your teeth with dental floss - before or after brushing? This interests many.

There are a variety of dental products on the market. Everyone chooses the most suitable option for themselves. This depends on the distance between the teeth, the presence of dentures, individual preferences and tactile sensations. To prevent the development of caries, the type of floss you choose does not matter; the main thing is its fundamental use. But the most common question users ask is how to properly floss the back of your teeth? More on this below.

Species

Dental floss is divided into:

Round. Suitable for those who have a fairly wide interdental space. Flat - the choice of those whose teeth fit tightly together.
Fragrant. The dental floss impregnating composition may contain prophylactic or medicinal substances, such as chlorhexidine or fluoride (have disinfecting properties). Sometimes the composition is scented to make the cleaning procedure more aesthetically pleasing. We will tell you further how to properly clean your mouth with dental floss.
Waxed floss is smooth, glides better over teeth, and is good for those who are just starting to use dental floss. They allow you to learn step by step how to use floss without damaging your gums. Non-waxed flosses clean the interdental space more intensively and fight well against plaque and bacteria. Over time, a beginner can move on to using them after

Basically, in the manufacture of dental floss, silk of natural origin or artificially created fibers such as Teflon or nylon are used. The first option is preferable, which is natural, but it is not as practical as the other two. Silk tends to tear and wear out quickly. Synthetic threads are much more expensive, but also last longer. Most popular on at the moment is nylon, since such products offer the best combination of price and quality.

And yet, how should you clean your mouth with dental floss - before or after brushing?

Terms of use

Dental floss should be used as needed. But experts still agree that for prevention purposes, it is most optimal to use floss every day before bed or at least twice a week.

Quite often the question is asked about what to do first - brush or floss your teeth. Opinions differ in this case. Some believe that floss can infect the gums with bacteria, others argue that its use should be final. hygiene procedure. One thing is clear - using dental floss is definitely beneficial. Once you decide to purchase one, you should remember to consult with your dentist, especially if you wear braces or dentures. How to brush your teeth with dental floss correctly?

For effective cleaning plaque from teeth and preventing pathogenic microbes from getting under the gums, you need to know how to use floss correctly. Below are the rules for using dental floss, the implementation of which will help avoid the development of periodontal disease and caries.

Cleaning procedure

The flossing procedure should be carried out in the following sequence:

Unwind about half a meter of dental floss from the spool, secure it around your middle fingers so that there is about 10 centimeters of floss between them, which will be used to clean your teeth.
Holding the floss firmly between your index finger and thumb, move it gently down and up between your teeth. The movements must be repeated several times. Consistently clean all teeth, moving the floss to a clean section.
You can also wrap the floss around the tooth at the base so that it is slightly under the gum. Cleaning should be done in a circular motion; do not use too much force as this may damage the soft cloth gums. IN this process measured and accurate actions are encouraged.
Remember to use a clean piece of floss for each tooth. Otherwise, you will transfer harmful bacteria from one tooth to another, which allows them to spread everywhere.

It is necessary to pull the floss out of the interdental space smoothly and gradually, making back-and-forth movements. At first, it is easiest to do the procedure in front of a mirror.
If you have the skill and experience in cleaning your teeth with floss, the process will happen automatically, just like with a toothbrush.
You cannot use a thread twice, this will negate the results of its use.
Once you've finished flossing, you can brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Now you understand how to clean with dental floss. Before or after - it's up to you.

Contraindications

Medical research suggests that incorrect use of floss may well lead to inflammation in the oral cavity and even sudden tooth loss. This can happen when the rules and techniques for flossing your teeth are not followed. Constantly touching the gums with floss makes them more sensitive, destruction of soft tissue occurs and, as a result, infection penetrates into the wounds. You can also check with your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth with dental floss.

Special instructions

You need to ensure that your gums do not bleed after flossing, as this may be a symptom of periodontal disease. In such a situation, it makes sense to immediately consult a dentist for help. If caries has already affected most of the teeth and cavities have appeared, then flossing is also not recommended. With this picture, dental floss can worsen the condition of the gums, which will lead to serious consequences.

Children under the age of ten are also not recommended to use floss, as they still have baby, fragile teeth. But even after reaching required age, the procedure should only be performed under parental supervision.