Oral health is an important part of holistic health. Along with all the vital organs, we also need to take special care of our oral health as it serves as the entryway to the body. Bacteria, germs and viruses enter the body through mouth causing numerous problems. Brushing your teeth twice a day is advisable only to ward off these potential risks. But brushing alone is not enough. Then? Flossing is what should be practiced alongside to keep your teeth clean and maintain dental hygiene. This world oral health day, let us understand all about flossing technique and its benefits from Dr. Rajesh Shetty, Clinical Director and M.D.S, Periodontist and Implantologist.
What is flossing?
Flossing is a term used specially for the use of dental floss in order to clean your mouth better. Dental floss is a cord made up of filaments and is used for interdental cleaning to remove germs, food bits, and plaque to store up inside the mouth and in between teeth, or from places where the Toothbrush might have difficulty in reaching. It is a must when it comes to regular maintenance of dental hygiene.
Why is flossing important?
The main goal of flossing is to remove built up of germs and dental plaque in the mouth. These dental germs consist of destructive bacteria which start to eat and excrete on our teeth. Brushing helps to remove plaque from the front and back surface of the teeth. But, flossing helps in removing plaque from between the teeth and underneath the gums. The most destructive microbes live in the hard to reach areas, failure to clean those might result in diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
What is the right flossing technique?
Flossing properly requires bending of the floss in a round shape, or in a c-shape and covering as much surface area of the tooth as possible. Covering half the diameter of the tooth from each angle is a must. Moving the floss up and down along the outer surface and also under the gun issue is important. If the floss is used in the above way, it will help to clean the plaque from both the outer and inner surface of the teeth, also beneath the gum tissue.
Oral Irrigators
They are commonly known as dental water jets and use a stream of high pressure water in order to remove food bits and plague sticks in between the teeth.
Air Floss
Air Floss is a device which is used to remove plaque from the teeth and mouth. Rapid bursts of water droplets are used to do the work of cleaning. It uses the newest microburst technology.
Floss Picks
Floss picks are very Convenient and are easy to use by people. It can be used very easily with one hand and one doesn't have to worry about hurting the teeth or finding the right angle to floss.
Flossing is optional but it is better if you do it regularly. This ensures a clean, germ-free mouth to protect the whole body. We all know that oral problems give rise to stomach problems and sometimes, it can also hampers functions of other vital organs too. Thus, floss daily to keep your mouth clean.
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