THE ART AND IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING RIGHT

The real truth about the most under- rated tooth saver!
Flossing can improve your sex life! Well, may be not directly; but it can give you a more appealing, snazzy smile- if you do it right. Problem is dentist suspect that people aren’t doing it right. And if they’re doing it wrong (or not at all), they’re just asking for gum diseas.

How can this common bit of thread save your teeth? Its not just by removing food particle from between teeth. Flossing`s real claim to is its ability to remove plaque between teeth on the tooth surface bellow the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film TThat constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, especially from below the gum line, the bacteria in the plaque attack the supporting bone. Plaque also sets the stage for calculus, or tartar.

As calculus forms, more plaque deposits on its rough surface. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, may result. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that usually become infected. Eventually, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, resulting in tooth loss.

The areas that lie under the gums and between teeth are a perfect place for plaque to accumulate. A toothbrush will do accumulate. A toothbrush will do a very good job cleaning the outside and inside faces of the teeth, but since the bristles are too large, it can’t reach into areas where the teeth come in contact with each other. And when you apply pressure on the toothbrush against the teeth, the bristles get pushed open and they all flatten out across the teeth. They don’t reach between the teeth and under gums.

ZAP THAT PLAQUE!
Adults and children over 10 should floss at least once daily, preferably after the evening meal, when there’s time to do it properly. Anyone with fillings, bridges, plates and caps can isn’t exempt from this.

What’s the right way to floss? Here are some types from the American Dental Association (for hands-on instruction, ask your own dentist.)

Break of about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the rest of the floss around the same finger of your other hand. This finger will “take up” the floss as it becomes soiled with bacteria. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them.

If you find dental floss a bit too slippery, try making a loop by tying the ends of a 10-inch piece together. Floss by holding the loops taut between your thumbs and forefingers.

Gently, use a sawing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C- shape against one tooth. Carefully slide it into the shape between the gum and tooth unit you feel resistance. Gently scrape the side of the tooth while moving the floss away from the gum. Be sure to follow these steps on both sides of all your teeth- even the ones way in back.

Try to keep your fingers at the same level as the tooth you’re going to floss. Don’t pull it up too high or down too low. You want to keep the floss perpendicular to the tooth. Look in the mirror to check your position.
Until the plaque is broken up, your gums may bleed for the first five or six days that you floss. If the bleeding does not stop after that time, call on your dentist.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Waxed or partially waxed floss is recommended for squeezing between crowded or crooked teeth because it won’t shred. Extra- thick floss cleans large spaces. The average person with normal, healthly teeth can use any type, including unwaxed.