Like a toothbrush, dental floss is indispensable for hygiene to keep your oral health up to date and prevent problems. It serves to remove food residues in areas where the toothbrush cannot reach, such as between one tooth and another. Flossing also helps eliminate plaque, which causes caries and gum disease.
There are two types of floss. Both clean food residues and remove plaque, but have differences between them. Nylon or multifilament dental floss may or may not be waxed. Because it has too many fibers in nylon, this type of floss can easily peel and shred or tear, especially when cleaning teeth closely together.
PTFE or monofilament, as it is also called, slides between teeth more easily and without breaking, especially when the space is small.
Floss before or after brushing?
The sequence for flossing makes no difference, meaning it can be used both before and after brushing to make your teeth very clean.
The best way to completely remove plaque from your teeth is to brush them, floss and finish with the mouthwash. Do not forget to do this daily, especially after meals.
Flossing Properly
For thorough dental cleaning and patience, you need to floss your teeth correctly.
To do this, wrap around each middle finger about 40 centimeters of the thong, leaving at least 10 centimeters between the fingers.
Holding between thumb and forefinger, both hands should slide the floss slightly up and down between the teeth. Gently thread around the base of each tooth Do not forget that in addition to the front teeth, the thread should also be passed into the bottom teeth.
To remove the thread, gently move back and forth. Never force the cord against the gum as it is dangerous to cut or hurt. Repeat the procedure for each tooth, always using a new piece of floss.
The Proper Way & the Wrong Way to Floss Teeth : Caring for Your Teeth (May 2024)
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