When used correctly, dental floss can easily remove food particles and plaque from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Don’t worry, we will explain how to use dental floss step by step. Dental floss is very important for removing plaque between the teeth and for overall tooth and gum health. The aforementioned plaque needs careful attention. Plaque and food particles left between the teeth accumulate over time, leading to unexpected problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. In such cases, the necessary action is to use dental floss to clean the plaque accumulated between the teeth. However, using dental floss alone is not sufficient for tooth and gum health. It is essential to know how to use dental floss correctly.
When plaque and food particles that accumulate between the teeth are not cleaned, bacteria can build up and form tartar. Besides causing a poor appearance, the resulting tartar can also lead to gum inflammation and disease. For this reason, tartar cleaning should be done as soon as possible.
Using dental floss is a very beneficial action to prevent tartar formation. However, it is first necessary to have detailed information about using dental floss and then to apply it correctly. To achieve maximum benefit from using dental floss, the following methods must be applied completely:
If all these steps are applied carefully, you will have correctly learned “How to use dental floss?”.
In past years, dental floss was only made from cotton threads. Today, however, many types of dental floss have been developed. To benefit from these types correctly, people need to know what kind of dental floss they should have according to their own teeth.
There are two types of dental floss according to their production materials: nylon and PTFE floss. According to their design, there are two main types of floss: spooled floss and floss picks. In addition, there is also floss produced for prosthetic teeth (dentures/bridges).
The most preferred type of dental floss today is PTFE floss. Nylon floss is produced in different flavors, either waxed or unwaxed. Since nylon floss has a multifilament structure, it can fray or tear in tightly spaced teeth. For individuals with such tight contact points between their teeth, PTFE floss is recommended. When used correctly, both types of floss are suitable for removing debris.
Recently, the floss pick has become a favorite for many people. Floss picks come in two different types: single-filament and multi-filament. They are easier to use than spooled floss. Since they don’t need to be wrapped around the finger, they can comfortably reach all the way to the wisdom teeth. Great care must be taken when using the pick end.
The floss produced for crowns and bridges is different. For this reason, one must also know “How to use dental floss with crowns?”. This type of floss is passed through a needle-like tool (a floss threader) and inserted between the teeth to provide cleaning.
Permanent teeth begin to emerge in the mouth around the age of 6. As soon as these teeth start to appear in the mouth, dental floss should be used. For people who practice good oral hygiene, using dental floss once a day is sufficient. There is no clear answer to the question “When should dental floss be used?” during the day. However, if dental floss is used before going to bed at night, it can prevent bad breath in the morning.
The most important point in using dental floss is to use it before brushing your teeth. Oral hygiene should be as follows:
If oral hygiene is performed in this order and at this timing, conditions such as gum disease, inflammation, or tartar formation can be prevented. At the same time, “How to use dental floss?” will be fully understood. This significantly increases the quality of life.
1- Is Dental Floss Used Before or After Brushing Teeth?
Dental floss should definitely be used before brushing teeth. This way, the debris remaining in the mouth is removed by the brush.
2- Can Dental Floss Be Used Again After Being Washed?
After all the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the dental floss becomes frayed. For this reason, it is recommended that all types of dental floss be used only once.
3- Is It Necessary to Use Dental Floss Every Day?
Using dental floss is a hygiene rule that requires as much attention as brushing your teeth. Therefore, it should be used at least once every day.
