Flossing should not be missing from our oral hygiene. It is an extremely useful technique that perfectly cleans the teeth in areas where the brush cannot reach. It is important, however, to floss properly and make sure to remove all debris.
How to floss
Flossing correctly is a crucial step in preventing tooth decay and gum problems. Flossing helps remove food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Cut about 45-50 centimeters of dental floss. This gives you enough space to thoroughly clean all of your teeth without using the same portion of floss throughout the procedure.
Start at one end of the dental arch and gradually work your way to the other end. Use gentle, bottom-up motions to floss between teeth, avoiding sudden movements that could injure the gums.
Do not force the floss through the spaces between the teeth, as this could cause it to break or damage the gums. If you encounter resistance, try adjusting the insertion angle or using a new section of thread.
As you move from one tooth to another, wrap the floss around the middle finger of that hand to use a new section of floss. This prevents the spread of bacteria from one tooth to another.
After you’re done flossing, rinse your mouth with water to remove loose particles and bacteria.
How to choose the right dental floss
When it comes to choosing the right dental floss, many of us feel overwhelmed by the options available on the market. There are waxed, unwaxed, different flavors, textures, and many other features.
Also read: Why you should never use toothpicks again. Specialists reveal how dangerous they are
Dental floss with wax: This type of floss is coated with wax to make it easier to slide through the spaces between the teeth. It is a good option for people with teeth that are too close together or those who wear braces.
Dental floss without wax it is more suitable for people who prefer a harsher cleansing sensation and for those who avoid wax products.
The choice of thickness depends on the space between your teeth. For tight spaces, choose a thinner floss, while for wider spaces, you can opt for a thicker floss.
Some flosses come with flavors such as mint, cinnamon, or berries to give you a fresh feeling when you use them.
If you have sensitive gums or sensitive teeth, it may be appropriate to opt for a soft floss or one specially designed to minimize gum or tooth trauma.
What else does dental floss help with?
Dental floss can be used to gently clean hard-to-reach areas of electronic devices such as cell phones, keyboards, and even cameras.
Dip the end of the floss in isopropyl alcohol and carefully work it through the cracks and crevices of the device. This method helps you remove dust and dirt that has accumulated over time.
See also: Brilliant Flossing Tricks. How useful it is in the kitchen, camping or footwear
A tight ring that won’t loosen can be an uncomfortable situation. Dental floss comes in handy in this case. Carefully wrap a thin piece of dental floss under the ring and then gently twist the floss around your finger. This technique will lift the ring without damaging the skin.
When you need to handle small objects or pieces of jewelry, you can create a small “handle” with dental floss. Wrap a piece of thread around the object and tie it tightly. This will help you handle the object with more precision and control.
When you need to run a cable or wire through walls or pipes, dental floss can be a surprising ally. Tie the end of the wire or cable to a strand of dental floss and then push the floss through the desired gap.
This trick can save you time and frustration, especially when installing wiring systems or repairing electrical connections.
