Gum and teeth he alth is ensured by good oral hygiene. But often one cleaning is not enough. It is necessary to eliminate the remnants of food from the interdental spaces. In addition, it is not always possible to brush your teeth. To do this, dental floss is used, which serve for oral hygiene. Their other name is floss. You need to know how to properly use dental floss. This is described in the article.
Varieties
There are many types of dental floss for sale, differing in appearance, quality and price. According to the material of manufacture, they are natural and artificial. The first products are made from silk, and the second - from acetate, nylon or nylon. When choosing the right type of dental floss, there is no exact answer to which one is better. This is due to the fact that the bite, shape, condition of the teeth for each person is different. Therefore, when choosing a floss, it is advisable to consult a dentist. The doctor will select individuallysuitable option.
Among the types of dental floss are flat, tape and round. Thanks to the flat types, it is easy to clean the narrow space between the teeth. Round ones are suitable for large gaps, and tape ones are effective for cosmetic defects in the position of the incisors (diastema) and large spaces between the teeth (trema). As it may seem at first glance, it is difficult to deal with so many types of dental floss. But actually, it's quite simple.
Volumetric types of products are produced, which, when in contact with saliva in the oral cavity, acquire a larger size. This allows you to thoroughly clean the areas between the teeth without damaging the soft tissues of the gums. Some types of thread are impregnated with wax. This makes it easy for the floss to glide between your teeth, cleansing them.
Wax products are recommended by doctors for people who will use threads for the first time. Waxed types are much more convenient to use. With them, the procedure of brushing your teeth will be comfortable. Unwaxed dental floss allows you to qualitatively remove food debris from the oral cavity and eliminate plaque. They are divided into fibers, clean the surface of the enamel. Unwaxed floss is recommended for regular maintenance.
Products can be impregnated and without it. There are also flosses that are saturated with sodium fluoride. With them, not only cleaning is carried out, but also caries prevention is carried out. These types of flosses help to strengthen the enamel in those areas of the tooth where it is difficult to reach with a brush. Menthol products freshen breath, while threads with chlorhexidine perform a disinfecting function.
Additionally, you can use therapeutic and prophylactic compositions, independently covering the dental floss with them before performing the procedure. Some dental flosses are made for home use, while others can only be used under medical supervision.
When not to use?
It must be taken into account that self-treatment and improper selection of hygiene products can adversely affect the condition of the teeth. There are dental ailments in which it is dangerous to use floss. Flossing is contraindicated for:
- Bleeding gums with periodontal disease. With frequent use of floss, sores appear on the gums, inflammation develops.
- Caries. The presence of cavities in one or more teeth with flossing can be dangerous. While cleaning the gaps between the teeth, there is a possibility that a piece of the tooth may break off.
- Crowns or bridges. When there are orthodontic microprostheses in the mouth, doctors advise using a special superfloss dental floss. Such a product has the advantages of various dental floss. Superfloss dental floss is one of the safest products when used with dentures.
Rules of application
The device is sold in bundles with a small cutter. How to use dental floss correctly? Before this, you need to check that the right amount of floss is cut off. The cut of the product that was used to clean one gap cannot be used for the rest. Needuse another piece of thread.
Flos can be used not only after meals. It is used even after drinking a cup of sweet coffee. Choosing the right floss is essential. It should be strong and not tear when it is pulled out of the gap between the teeth. Sometimes it happens that there are chips or irregularities on the surface of the enamel.
For kids
Dental floss (floss) can be used by children on their own only from 9-10 years old. But you can learn how to use this device even earlier. To prevent damage to the gums, the procedure is performed under adult supervision. Preferably first shown by parents.
You need to know how to floss with braces, otherwise improper use can injure the gums. During the procedure, no effort should be made. If during the period of cleaning the gums began to bleed, it is necessary to finish the procedure and rinse your mouth with warm saline. Cleaning should only be done after the bleeding has stopped.
How to floss with or without braces? The procedure is performed according to the following instructions:
- It is necessary to prepare a piece of floss 40 cm long. This will be enough to effectively clean the gaps between the teeth. For each area, you need to take a clean part of the floss.
- The thread must be wrapped around the middle finger of the right hand, and the index finger is left free.
- Then the left hand should be wrapped in floss so that the thread cut in the center is 8-10 cm.
- Cleaning should start withteeth in the upper jaw. You should start the thread between the molars and hold to the gums. It does not require much effort.
- It is necessary to apply floss to the enamel and repeatedly draw the thread from top to bottom. Then you need to repeat the steps with the rest of the teeth.
- Then you need to pull out the dental floss, wind the used piece of floss around the finger of your right hand. It is necessary to insert a clean piece of the product into another gap between the teeth and repeat the procedure.
This sequence will allow you to properly clean your mouth. By following these simple recommendations, it will be possible to effectively clean the space between the teeth. If you have any doubts about the correctness of the hygiene procedure, you can consult a dentist. The specialist will select the appropriate type of floss and tell you how to use it safely.
There are many types of floss now available. However, there are different opinions about which dental floss is the best. Since the condition of the teeth is different for everyone, it is therefore advisable to consult a specialist. You can choose the best option using the rating of dental floss. The options below are considered the most popular in Russia.
32 pearls
This type of floss is produced in Belarus. It includes 2 twisted waxed polyester threads with a refreshing mint finish. The length of the thread is 65 m. The product is produced in a small container, a convenient holder for the thread is supplied.
Products "32 pearls"can be used for wide tooth gaps. And if the areas between the teeth are narrow, then it is necessary to push the threads apart in advance. The advantage of the kit is the affordable cost, large footage and plastic holder, which reduces floss consumption. Of the minuses, buyers highlight the rapid separation, which causes the fibers to get stuck between the teeth.
Oral-B
German quality products come in several varieties:
- Essential Floss. The nylon thread has a polymer sheath and a mint flavor. The length of the product is 50 m.
- Super Floss. The three-component thread is suitable for regular maintenance. The package contains 50 pieces of the required length.
- Satin Floss. Ribbon-like thread equipped with a polymer sheath and with a mint flavor. Can be used for narrow dental spaces. The length of the products is 25 meters.
- Pro-Expert. High tenacity nylon threads with mint flavor. Length is 25 m.
Many consumers are satisfied with these products. According to them, cost and quality are optimally combined.
PresiDENT
Flosses are produced in Italy. The range includes the following items:
- Mint floss with fluoride. They have a round, twisted shape, and the material is nylon. The device serves as an excellent prophylactic against caries. Length is 50 m.
- Multiactive. Dental floss has a spongy polyester structure. The product swells under the influence of saliva. Can be used for widespaces between teeth. The length is 20 m.
- Extra flat. Teflon floss has a high level of strength. Can be used for narrow spaces between teeth. Length is 20m.
- With chlorhexidine. The thread is equipped with antibacterial impregnation, it can be used to prevent inflammation of the gums. Product length – 50 m.
- Whitening. Floss impregnated with papain, suitable for brightening enamel from darkening. Length - 50 m.
- SILVER CARE. The thread has a mint flavor and antibacterial components. Product length - 50 m.
Feedback on this product is mixed, but most buyers are satisfied with it. Floss is valued for its effectiveness and safety. Negative feedback may be due to incorrect thread selection or inappropriate use.
Sensodyne
Products are made in the UK. Its basis is considered to be a soft material, which increases in volume during the period of use. The threads have a mint flavor. Contains fluoride, which is needed for severe tooth sensitivity.
Floss perfectly cleans wide gaps between teeth. With narrow spaces, discomfort may occur and separation of the thread into individual fibers may occur. The length of the products is 30 m.
Lacalut
Products are made in Germany. Floss consists of nylon fibers with a menthol flavor. Waxed threads are round. They are thin, so they allow you to penetrate into narrow interdental spaces. But, according to reviews, the products delaminate, which leads tofiber jamming. Length - 50 m.
SPLAT
Dental floss of a Russian manufacturer, which is created from artificial material. Popular types include the following:
- Thin floss has the aroma of menthol and silver fibers. Used to care for narrow spaces between teeth. Length is 30m.
- Bulk threads are flavored with lime, strawberry or cardamom. They have the antibacterial component Biosol, used for wide interdental spaces. Length is 30 m.
Customers like products at an affordable cost, a variety of flavors. Of the minuses, the stiffness of the thread and the lack of a lid on the plastic container are distinguished.
Jordan Expand
Threads are made in Norway. A voluminous floss of twisted fibers that expands 3 times in contact with saliva. The threads are impregnated with mint toothpaste. Provides additional protection against caries. Length is 25 m.
Floss can be used for medium to wide interdental spaces. Ideal for sensitive gums. Product reviews are almost all positive.
Rox
Floss R. O. C. S. presented in the form of a thread of twisted fibers that swell with use. Products are available in black and red containers. Product length - 40 m.
Rox thread is great for sensitive gums and teeth. Customers value products for quality and convenience. Of the minuses, the high cost is distinguished. The rating lists all effective devices. Whichfloss is better - you can only find out after consulting a specialist.
How often can treatments be performed?
How many times a day can this treatment be done? It is advisable to do this after every meal. If during the day there was no opportunity for a thorough cleansing of the mouth, in the evening it is necessary to carry out the procedure before going to bed.
It is advisable to brush your teeth with a regular brush, and then floss. After that, you can use a mouthwash or herbal balm.
You can buy dental floss at the pharmacy. Although there are now many positive reviews about this device, some dentists still consider it harmful. According to some doctors, brushing can damage the structure of the teeth.
Benefit
In the absence of gum disease, you can use dental floss to clean the interdental spaces and remove plaque. The use of such a tool protects the oral cavity from the growth of bacteria and will be an excellent prevention of dental ailments.
Flossing will help remove food debris stuck between teeth and along the gumline where a toothbrush cannot. The main purpose of the threads is to eliminate stuck food. It is advisable to floss several times a day.
Flaws
Sometimes there is inflammation after flossing. If it is used incorrectly, there may be injuries and microscopic scratches on soft tissues.fabrics. Gums with wounds and damage will be vulnerable to the spread of infection. This often results in tooth loss.
If problems arise during the use of the floss, you should consult a dentist. Periodontitis is a dangerous disease that requires urgent treatment. It should be borne in mind that dental floss is an auxiliary means of hygiene. It should not replace a toothbrush. Regular brushing with floss effectively cleans teeth and gums.
Thus, dental floss is an effective means of hygiene. If the procedure is performed correctly and the doctor's recommendations are followed, it will be possible to forget about caries and gum disease for a long time.
