How to brush your teeth with dental floss - technique and proper brushing. Correct use of dental floss before and after brushing

To learn how to use dental floss correctly, you need to choose the right model for yourself, and also adhere to the recommendations that we will outline below in the article. What is dental floss or, as it is also called, floss and what is it for? This aid dental hygiene, which is made from natural silk or artificial materials (for example, nylon or nylon).

As you know, not all areas of the tooth surface can be cleaned with a toothbrush, especially in the areas of dental joints. It is in this context that the role of dental floss increases as a means of reaching the most remote areas of dental surfaces. If this is not done, then plaque, which has not been cleared for years, constantly provokes dental diseases such as caries.

Dental floss: harm or benefit

As with any other hygiene product oral cavity Flossing has its pros and cons, so in some ways, dental floss is harmful, but no more so than a toothbrush, since only using it incorrectly can have a bad effect on the health of your teeth.

Pros of dental floss:

• Deep and complete cleaning of the interdental space, unavailable to any other dental hygiene products;
• Easy to use, does not require special skills, additional funds for the cleaning;
• Availability and prevalence of this tool;
• The ability to practice oral hygiene in any place convenient for you, without water or toothpaste.

• If used incorrectly, it can damage the gums and introduce bacteria from dental plaque;
• When too frequent use capable of destroying interdental protective barriers, which can lead to serious consequences and even loss of teeth.

Again, dental floss can cause harm only if it is used incorrectly, and not on its own, as is sometimes believed. Thus, if used correctly, it can only be beneficial if you are not allergic to its components.

Kinds. Which is better: waxed or unwaxed?

It is immediately worth noting that any type of dental floss is good at cleaning the interdental space from harmful plaque. However, they are quite diverse and differ according to different criteria.

• The shape of the threads is flat and round. Most users note that flat ones are more pleasant to use and are much more difficult to damage the gums;
• According to impregnation, they are available without impregnation or with aromatic impregnation, bleaching impregnation, etc.;
• By purpose. For home use and those that are used exclusively in dental offices;
• Regular flosses and superflosses for use in special devices for cleaning teeth.

Also, dental floss can be waxed or unwaxed. The difference is that the waxed one glides between the teeth much easier. Also, due to wax treatment, such a thread has a disinfecting effect, but its main advantage is that it does not delaminate when used precisely thanks to the wax.

But this thread also has certain disadvantages. So, due to the fact that it glides very well over the surface of the tooth, the cleaning efficiency decreases. Also, wax may remain between the teeth, which is also not a very pleasant factor.

Popular models

Currently exists a large number of a wide variety of dental floss models from famous manufacturers. Dental floss produced by Oral b are in particular demand on the market, such as Oral B Satin Floss, Oral B Super Floss, Oral B Essential Floss, Oral B Pro Expert and others.

User reviews of these dental flosses are mostly good. There are also other models famous brands, but it is worth noting that each model is suitable for certain user characteristics.

Thus, the “Dental Floss” model, which is manufactured by the company “Splat”, is suitable for those who have quite large gaps between their teeth. The “Essential Floss” model mentioned above is suitable for those who have extremely narrow spaces between their teeth.

For those who have periodontal problems, it is worth using Sensodyne threads, which tend to swell during procedures, which allows you to carefully and thoroughly treat the roots of the teeth.

Also, good threads manufactured by Colgate, Rocs, Dentorol, Jordan and others. The main thing is to pay attention to the product description on the packaging and choose dental floss in accordance with your personal characteristics.

How to floss your teeth correctly?

Many users who even purchased dental floss, but cannot understand the instructions and rules of use, ask this question. After all, the technique of brushing your teeth is no less important than the choice of floss. the right kind and models.

To floss your teeth effectively and safely, it is imperative to remember following rules and perform them step by step:

What to do if a floss gets stuck between your teeth?

Such cases happen quite often and may mean that you did not get a very high-quality product or that you chose the wrong floss for the structure of your teeth. Also, this may mean that you used it incorrectly, in which case you should not be nervous and pull out the thread using great force. Try to grab it with tweezers, after cleaning it well.

If the tip of the thread does not stick out anywhere, then try pushing it out with another dental floss, preferably not as thick as the previous one. Some people recommend using a fishing line to push out the stuck floss, but it is not always thinner than the stuck floss, and there is a risk of infection and gum damage.

Do not forget about the thread stuck between the teeth, because over time it will make itself felt extremely unpleasant consequences, therefore, if all of the above methods do not help, then you need to go to the dentist, who will deal with this problem instantly.

How to use floss with braces?

Many people think that braces and dental floss are incomparable things, and you can’t use it to clean your teeth if you have a braces system installed, but this is not at all true. Quite the contrary, it is necessary to do this and at the same time regularly.

Although such procedures are associated with some difficulties, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions for performing them:

• The thread should be waxy, with good sliding properties, so that it does not get stuck in the braces;
• The thread length must be at least 25 cm;
• First, move the floss carefully under the base of the braces, after which you can move it between the teeth, being careful;
• Repeat this step for each tooth.

Important note for parents! This procedure requires good dexterity and patience and may be difficult for your child to do on his own, so help him with this at least in the initial stages.

What can replace dental floss?

A large number of people believe that floss can be replaced with regular thread and the effect will not suffer. Dentists, in turn, categorically and unanimously warn against such actions. It is virtually impossible to make floss for brushing your teeth at home. All attempts will lead to oral injuries, infections and visits to the dentist.

If you consider what dental floss is made of, it becomes clear that such a durable and convenient material is extremely rare in everyday life. Besides, dental floss is not so expensive that it would be risky own health using household substitutes to clean the interdental space.

Unpleasant odor from thread

People often encounter a problem when their dental floss smells rotten or just not very pleasant during or after brushing. Most likely, this means that a large number of bacteria have accumulated in the mouth, and while a toothbrush can get rid of them from the parts of the teeth accessible to it, it cannot penetrate into the interdental space.

If you've just started flossing and have noticed... bad smell from her, don't worry too much about it. It’s just that they haven’t done any work in your interdental space for a long time.” general cleaning" Most likely, the unpleasant odor will gradually disappear with regular flossing.

If this trend is not observed after two weeks, then it is worth trying another thread with a stronger antibacterial composition. If this does not help, then your problem is complex and you should consult a doctor.

Is it possible to clean tartar with floss?

To answer this question, you must first understand what tartar is. This is extremely hardened plaque that forms on the surface of the tooth and is removed with ultrasound and other special dental methods. Already based on this information, it becomes clear that removing tartar with floss will not work.

But this does not mean that dental floss cannot fight tartar. It may be very good, but only through its prevention, because it is dental floss that prevents the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, from which tartar is formed.

Video: how to care for your teeth at home, including using dental floss.

Results

Thus, dental floss appears to us as an absolutely indispensable element of dental care; it has capabilities that toothbrushes and other dental care products cannot do.

This, however, does not mean that the latter can be abandoned in favor of flossing. On the contrary, for comprehensive protection To protect your teeth, you need to actively use all means of prevention: brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and so on.

Dental floss cleans teeth in hard-to-reach places that even the best toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is an oral hygiene aid that does not replace regular brushing and rinsing of teeth. Thanks to dental floss, protecting tooth enamel from caries has become accessible: it removes the smallest food debris. However, keep in mind that gingivitis cannot be cured with dental floss.

Floss threads are made from two types of material - synthetic/natural silk, coated with Teflon. The surface of the threads is impregnated with a special substance that facilitates sliding over the enamel. According to coating technology, flosses are divided into:

1. waxed;
2. unwaxed.

Waxed ones penetrate into hard-to-reach places more easily due to the wax coating. The disadvantage is its low strength: the floss may break. Wax-impregnated floss is not suitable for high-quality removal of plaque on teeth due to its weak friction force. Also, after using waxed thread, pieces of wax may remain. This type recommended for people with big amount filled teeth.

Unwaxed thread cleans better tooth enamel from the smallest dietary fiber, due to delamination and coverage of most of the tooth. Beginners are advised to start hygiene procedures from unwaxed products.

According to the manufacturing technique, dental flosses are:

1. round;
2. flat;
3. tape;
4. volumetric.

Round ones clean wide spaces between teeth well. Flat ones are designed for narrow spaces. Bulk flosses swell when moistened with saliva, while tape flosses gently clean wide interdental spaces.

Tape and round threads are suitable for cleaning wide interdental spaces. If the space is narrow, the round floss will not be able to fit between the teeth. Flat - used to care for teeth at narrow intervals. Large flosses are suitable for cleaning all types of teeth.

To make the use of sanitary threads more comfortable, manufacturers impregnate them with flavoring and medicinal compounds: menthol, fluorine, chlorhexidine, propolis. Regular flossing helps prevent not only caries, but also periodontal disease.

For the hygiene of orthodontic and orthopedic structures Super floss dental floss is used. This product combines different kinds fibers woven together and is durable.

Floss brush

There is another variety - floss brush. This hygiene item is used in conjunction with a toothbrush to specifically clean the interdental space. A regular brush cleans the enamel surface well, but a floss brush cleans the interdental space.

The flosser is dental floss with a handle. For ease of use, designs with active heads are produced various shapes, adapting to the structural features of the human jaw.

Important! Do not allow small children to floss on their own to avoid gum injury. A child can injure the mucous membrane with a sudden movement.

Which dental flosses are best?

Natural silk cleanses tooth enamel well, but is rarely used in practice. Silk floss toothpick has great strength and is difficult to break.

Nylon floss thread is popular: it is elastic and durable. Nylon flosses are cheap and clean tooth enamel efficiently.

Teflon floss carefully cares for teeth, does not injure the gums, does not tear during use, and does not separate into fibers. However, the cost of this material is quite high, so Teflon floss is the least in demand.

When choosing, consider the correspondence of the thickness of the thread to the interdental space:

• for large gaps between teeth, choose flat strip floss;
• Waxed types of floss are better suited for narrow interdental spaces: they glide easier in a small space;
• for travel, choose disposable flossers or threads packaged in measured portions;
• To care for orthopedic structures, choose an electric flosser or super floss.

What floss impregnations are most useful? In addition to aromatic substances, floss is impregnated with medicinal compounds:

• chlorhexidine qualitatively disinfects the oral cavity and interdental space;
• sodium chloride helps strengthen enamel due to active substances in its composition;
• fruit flavors serve only an aesthetic role, leaving a pleasant aftertaste in the mouth.

Next you should pay attention to the packaging. Usually floss is a small container with a skein 50 meters long. The container is closed with a lid and has a special device for cutting floss - a cutter. This type of product is suitable for use at home and resort, as well as for business trips.

If using a standard container with a skein is difficult (elderly people may have tremors in their limbs), manufacturers have invented disposable and reusable threads with a plastic holder - flossers. The ideal option is an electric flosser: it performs the necessary manipulations itself.

It is also worth paying attention to the flosser brush, which carefully cares for the gums and has a massaging effect. However, such a brush is in addition to the main one and does not replace it.

Mode of application

The way to use floss is as follows:

1. Tear off a small piece of thread from the roll using a special tool - approximately 40 cm.
2. Wrap the floss around the index finger of one and the other hand, leaving a distance of 5 cm between them.
3. Stretch the floss and insert it into the space between the teeth.
4. Clean in the direction from the gum mucosa downwards.
5. Switch to next tooth and repeat cleansing with a fresh section of thread: to do this, wrap the contaminated section around your finger.

Important! The thread cannot be reused. Once cleaning is complete, the floss should be thrown away.

During the hygiene procedure, you should adhere to the following tips:

• When cleaning new interdental space, use a clean section of floss.
• It is recommended to carry out a hygienic procedure after each meal.
• Do not insert the floss with a sharp movement: trauma to the gums can cause periodontal disease over time.
• In case of accidental injury to soft tissues, treat the affected surface antiseptic solution or infusion of chamomile and sage herbs.

If there is severe bleeding from the gums, contact your dentist immediately.

Indications for use

• for periodontal disease;
• with a carious hollow;
• with bleeding gums;
• in the presence of orthopedic structures;
• children under seven years old.

If your gums are constantly bleeding, flossing will only worsen the disease: possible inflammatory processes in the gums.

With periodontitis, infection can be transferred to healthy tooth, therefore, it is not recommended to use floss until the gums are completely healed.

If you have caries, flossing is also contraindicated: the affected tooth surface may break off.

Teeth with crowns and other orthopedic implants should be cleaned with super floss; other types are not suitable.

Can floss be used if available? IN in this case you must be sure that the bridges are firmly fixed. It is better to consult your dentist in advance about how to use threads.

What is flossing of braces? Special super floss threads have been created to clean orthopedic structures. You can also take care of your teeth if you have gingivitis, if it is not accompanied by.

Popular brands

What types of floss are popular? Among the popular products are the following:

• Thread “32 pearls”;
• Riser Floss;
• Oral B floss;
• Colgate "Optic White";
• PresiDENT;
• Lacalut dental floss;
• Sensodyne;
• Rocs.

The “32 pearls” model is a waxed thread consisting of two fibers with a refreshing effect thanks to the scented impregnation. The set includes a special holder that makes it easier to use.

Riser Floss products are a voluminous construction made of threads and are popular among buyers. Thanks to the refreshing impregnation with the taste of lime and bergamot, the feeling of freshness remains for a long time.

Oral B floss produces several types of products intended for a wide range of consumers. Pro-Expert Clinic Line is designed for narrow interdental spaces. Essential Floss effectively removes plaque. Satin Floss glides easily between teeth. Essential Floss is recommended for the hygiene of orthopedic structures. Manufacturers offer two types of thread: without aromatic impregnation and with menthol aroma.

Lacalut dental floss is a waxed nylon cross-section thread with a mint impregnation. The device is easy to use, so it is recommended for beginners.

Colgate offers two types of products: Optic White and Colgate Total. Colgate Total is designed to prevent tartar. The thread is impregnated with mint flavor and refreshes the oral cavity. Optic White contains bactericidal components.

PresiDENT offers a wide range of flossing. SILVER CARE thread contains silver components and sodium chloride in its structure: this composition actively fights the occurrence of caries. The threads are also impregnated with a menthol aroma with a refreshing effect. Impregnation with chlorhexidine helps prevent and cure gum disease, and the extra flat thread from this company penetrates into the most inaccessible places in the tight interdental space. A unique novelty is a floss with papaya enzymes: it whitens enamel and prevents the formation of tartar.

Rocs flosses are intended for lovers tobacco products, coffee and strong tea. Thanks to the content of microcrystals in the structure of the thread, the enamel is qualitatively cleaned of plaque and polished.

Sensodyne contains sodium fluoride and gently cleanses the interdental space by increasing the volume of the thread. Good for sensitive gums.

Do I need to floss?

Is there a need to use floss, and what is its advantage over irrigators and multifunctional toothbrushes? Dental practice showed that it is the interdental space that is most often susceptible to caries attack. In the tight space between the teeth, tiny particles of food accumulate, invisible to the eye: regular brush cannot remove them.

Using a brush, you can treat only 40-50% of the tooth surface, the rest of the space remains inaccessible. The use of dental floss is the prevention of common diseases: caries and periodontal disease, which are advanced cases lead to tooth loss.

Proper oral hygiene – required condition health of teeth and gums. A common ritual for every person is morning and evening brushing with toothpaste. But this is not enough. Efficient and complete removal Plaque and food debris are problematic without the use of dental floss.

In this article:

Efficiency

Caries prevention is possible by brushing your teeth twice a day. The reproduction of bacteria is stopped, since they cannot live on a clean surface. However, the brush only copes with the internal and external areas. Meanwhile, food particles get stuck in the spaces between the teeth, where the bristles of the brush cannot penetrate.

As a result: pathogenic bacteria develop vigorous activity as food decomposes. The prerequisites for the formation of caries are created. The next stage is the appearance of carious cavities.

Use a thread to clean hard-to-reach areas. It is important to floss with a broken bite and with teeth located close to each other. It is partially possible to sanitize the cavities between the surface of the tooth and the gum - pockets. They are formed during periodontitis, and if you don’t take care of them, you can lose a tooth.

Kinds

Flosses differ in the processing method:

• waxed;
• not waxed.

In the first case, the thread is covered thin layer wax. This promotes easy sliding and unhindered removal of deposits.

The “tool” is made from:

• silks;
• nylon;
• nylon;
• acetate.

Natural silk is rare. It was originally used when floss first appeared. Today, mostly artificial options are presented on pharmacy shelves.

The threads are made according to the shape:

• flat;
• round;
• tape

Dr. Zubastik advises purchasing the first ones for people with tightly spaced teeth, the second and third ones for those with wide gaps.

The floss subtype with the prefix “super” is intended for those who wear braces. This design consists of several parts. But we'll talk about it a little later.

Non-waxed threads can be used by those who have experience in cleaning the interdental space with floss. It is believed that they cope better with this task.

Waxed ones are convenient for beginners. The thread does not get stuck anywhere, glides freely, and does not split. There is no risk that a piece of it will remain between the teeth.

To increase the effect, floss is impregnated with therapeutic and prophylactic drugs. This:

• sodium fluoride (prevention of caries);
• chlorhexidine (disinfection);
• menthol (breath freshens).

You should choose a floss only after consulting a doctor, because when choosing it on your own, you may not take into account the peculiarities of the condition of your teeth and gums, as a result of which, instead of benefiting your health, you will cause harm to your health.

Use it correctly

There are 2 approaches to flossing teeth:

1. Before carrying out the usual hygiene procedure using a brush and paste.
2. After morning or evening cleansing is completed.

The first approach is closer to American dentists. They advise cleaning hard-to-reach areas before picking up a brush and starting the usual procedure.

Regardless of what order you follow, the following rules are mandatory:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Cut a piece of floss 30-40 cm long.
3. Take it so that part is wound around middle finger right hand, and pinch some of it between the thumb, index and middle fingers of your left hand.
4. Place the strip behind the tooth, trying to grab it, and move it up and down.
5. Start with the upper jaw.

Remember: you cannot use one piece 2 times! If there is food or bacteria left on it, they may be transferred to adjacent tooth. Inflammation will arise, and you will end up with what you were running away from: caries.

What if I have braces?

Regular oral care with floss is required.

Braces become a source of infection if they are not cared for properly. Complete cleaning with a brush is not possible. The smallest particles - food debris and harmful bacteria - are located in the places of fastening.

To avoid this, make it a rule to keep dental floss in the bathroom and regularly do “spring cleaning.”

You will need waxed floss - they will not touch the elements of the system. The second, more reliable way is to buy superflosses. The difference is this: superfloss is made of three materials. There are:

• hard fiber;
• sponge fiber;
• synthetic thread.

The principle of use is the same as for a regular one, only the result is achieved faster.

Finally, superfloss

Examples of superfloss: Miradent or Oral-B. With braces in place, if you're just starting to master the art of flossing, also try Sensodyne Floss or Lacalut.

Crowns are not an obstacle

Many people are wary of advice to use floss if part of the teeth are covered with crowns. This fear is unfounded: such teeth also require careful care. The material that is placed between the crown and living tissue dissolves over time. Bacteria and plaque accumulate in these places. It must be cleaned off, because otherwise inflammation of the adjacent soft tissues is possible. This is fraught with the development of periodontitis.

We brush in the same way as usual, without distinguishing between “live” teeth and those covered with a crown. It is especially important to observe this rule in relation to metal ceramics. It is convenient to use superfloss.

• the mucous membrane is delicate and easy to injure;
• not all milk teeth were replaced by permanent ones;
• The child’s movements can be sudden, which sometimes causes bleeding gums and inflammation.

After reaching the age of 12, and with the approval of the dentist, a teenager can floss their teeth. The first session should be conducted under parental supervision.

Toothbrush or floss

The natural question is: why do I need floss if I always brush my teeth twice a day with a modern brush, the manufacturer of which promises that it provides penetration into the “most difficult to reach places”?

Despite the improved shape of the brush, it is not able to achieve the degree of cleaning that the thread provides. The villi do not penetrate into the gaps between the teeth. This means that part of the plaque remains untouched.

At the same time, the brush is safer: if you carry out hygiene procedures 2-4 times a day, it is impossible to cause injury. Floss should not be used more than once a day.

Floss does not clean the front and back surface. Therefore, these hygiene items are not interchangeable. They complement each other.

special instructions

Like any therapeutic and prophylactic method, the process of flossing teeth has contraindications. Avoid this oral care method if you have:

• caries has been diagnosed and not yet healed (pieces of teeth affected by microbes break off);
• gums bleed;
• Many crowns, bridges and implants have been installed.

The last case is a relative contraindication. Doctors allow and even recommend dental floss, but only after a thorough examination of the oral cavity. Old crowns and bridges are replaced and approval is given for the purchase of floss.

Strips or threads - universal remedy to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Therefore, use them along with a brush. But follow your dentist's recommendations. So, let me remind you:

1. Brush your teeth carefully! Excessive force can cause wounds and microtrauma to the gums.
2. If you do touch your gums and see blood, stop the procedure and rinse your mouth with salty water. warm water. Do not floss until the tissue is completely healed.
3. Once a day is enough. Don't go overboard with your desire for cleanliness.
4. Get your children used to flossing and tell them in advance about the benefits of the hygiene product.
5. If there are contraindications, visit your dentist for advice. You may be allowed to buy floss after treatment.

Useful video:

Don't forget the main thing: Oral care should be regular! Only then will it guarantee the absence of pathologies. Take care of your teeth and gums, and they will remain healthy until old age.

Before purchasing floss, you need to know about some rules for its use. The product is produced in plastic containers, which includes a small knife for cutting the fiber. It is important to determine the size of the thread for convenient cleaning of the oral cavity from plaque.

You should use dental floss not only in the morning and evening after basic dental care activities. It is recommended to use it after snacks or drinking coffee.

Indications for use

The device is great for removing plaque in hard-to-reach places where it is difficult for a toothbrush to reach. It is suitable for use by children from 8 years of age and adults.

Floss is suitable for regular daily use. The best way to use dental floss is every time after eating. It is also prescribed to patients with orthodontic appliances installed, as plaque and food particles accumulate faster on them.

Dental floss is a necessary oral care product for people with dental anomalies (trema and diastema, crooked teeth)

Why is it important to choose the right floss? First of all, the material should not delaminate when cleaning the interdental spaces. Floss breaks can occur if there are unevenness and chips in the tooth enamel.

How to use dental floss correctly

Achieve results in preventing caries and other dental disorders This is only possible with regular flossing. For sensitive enamel and gums, use the product once, before bedtime. Otherwise, flossing should be done after every meal. Another effective option use of the product - 2 times a day after the main hygiene measures. You can use floss before traditional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and food debris.

The algorithm for using dental floss is as follows:

1. Take a container with fiber in your hand and, using a special cutter included with the product, cut off approximately 40 cm of material. If the product is used for the first time, then it is better to use a ruler to determine the required length.
2. The end of the thread is wound around the index or middle finger of one hand. The other end is pinched with the middle finger of the opposite hand. There should be a piece of thread at least 5 cm long between your fingers. This floss size will be enough for effective cleansing interdental space.
3. By using thumbs pull the thread, open your mouth wide and insert the fiber into the space between the teeth. A new piece of fishing line is used to clean each area. All manipulations are carried out carefully to prevent injury to the gums.
4. During brushing, the floss is pressed against the side surface of the teeth on each side. All movements are made from top to bottom along the surface of the teeth.
5. The fiber is brought slightly behind the edges of the gums to clean out all food debris from the interdental spaces.

The teeth of the upper and lower jaw. Use the same section of floss for different areas prohibited. This can cause bacteria to spread throughout the mouth. The used material is disposed of. On average, at least 40 cm of fiber is used per procedure. The advantage of flossing your teeth is that it does not harm the enamel.

Application algorithm for braces

After installing orthodontic structures, the doctor informs the patient about the rules for caring for them. For effective cleaning devices, you must use brushes, toothbrushes, floss or irrigators. Food particles can easily get caught under hooks, locks and other elements of orthodontic structures, which cause bad breath.

Orthodontist teaches proper care behind the oral cavity using superfloss. This product performs the functions of several types of dental floss. The main point of training is to avoid damaging the structure itself and soft tissues during oral hygiene.

Photo of cleaning braces with floss

Algorithm for the procedure:

1. Hands processing antiseptic or wash with soap.
2. The cleansing procedure is carried out in front of a mirror to examine all the elements of the orthodontic device.
3. About 30 cm of thread is wound around the index fingers of both hands.
4. The fiber is hooked under the main wire without touching the metal parts.
5. After cleaning the braces, the accessory is hooked into each interdental space. To process closely spaced units, manufacturers make special narrow threads.
6. The floss is removed from the mouth at one end to prevent damage to the braces.
7. The used fishing line is disposed of.

Without floss, it is impossible to achieve ideal cleanliness of the oral cavity, especially with orthodontic devices installed.

Flossing for Children

Children no earlier than 9 years old can use the accessory independently. However, you can introduce your child to the product much earlier.

Important with early years teach your child good oral hygiene

For children younger age It is better to use thread under parental supervision. It is important to ensure that the child carefully performs all manipulations and does not damage the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth. If during the process of cleaning the interdental spaces the baby’s gums begin to bleed, then the procedure is postponed and the mouth is washed with a warm antiseptic solution. You can resume flossing only after the bleeding has disappeared.

Frequent problems when using the accessory and ways to solve them

Let's look at the main difficulties that arise when cleaning interdental spaces with floss:

• Gums bleed when flossing. The symptom may indicate signs of developing gingivitis. Adults don't have to stop brushing their teeth right away. Vice versa, regular use pastes, brushes and threads suppresses signs of dental diseases and reduces the intensity of their symptoms.
• Fiber stuck between teeth. To treat narrow interdental spaces, it is better to use Teflon or specially treated fishing line. In both cases, the floss will glide more easily over the enamel of the teeth. The dentist will help you choose the appropriate product option.
• Insufficient time for hygiene. On average, the procedure for cleansing your mouth with floss lasts 5 minutes. If you don't have enough time, you can reduce this time to 60 seconds. Even short-term treatment of interdental spaces will help avoid the development of caries.
• Coordination of movements is impaired. For people who have difficulty holding the thread, special devices with y-shaped support have been invented. One end of the thread is attached to top part designs, and the second - on the hand.

In order for flossing to become a habit, it is necessary to combine the procedure with enjoyable activities: reading a book, watching your favorite TV show.

Dentists do not recommend flossing to all patients. The device is not suitable for people suffering from bleeding gums associated with periodontal disease. In this case, the product can aggravate the course dental disease. In this case, floss can be used only after all signs of periodontal disease have disappeared.

Is it possible to replace floss with regular thread?

Some patients use regular sewing thread instead of brushing their teeth with dental floss. It must be remembered that pharmaceutical products made from materials that go through several stages of processing. This makes them practically safe for teeth and gums.

Sewing thread with strong tension can even injure your fingers. Not to mention the delicate mucous membranes of the mouth. In addition, it is easy to introduce infection into the oral cavity with ordinary material, since it is not treated with special antiseptic compounds.

IN best case scenario the thread is soaked in alcohol. Regular use of sewing thread for cleaning causes bleeding gums.

Regular floss cannot be used instead of floss because it gets stuck in the teeth and increases the risk of developing periodontitis, gingivitis, and bad breath.

An important rule that should be followed before starting the procedure is washing your hands with soap. If used carelessly, floss can cause gum damage. Easily gets into microcracks pathogenic flora from dirty hands.

If a person has too narrow dental spaces or there are problems with the conductivity of the floss, then it is necessary to use waxed products. If it is difficult to hold the fiber in your hands until the end of the procedure, then it is better to purchase a product equipped with a special holder.

Your gums may be sore for 3-4 days after flossing. This condition is considered normal, since bacteria in the oral cavity die gradually. If intensity unpleasant signs After a few days after using the floss, the floss intensifies, then it is better to stop using the product and seek advice from a dentist.

Choosing the right dental floss will help you avoid problems associated with flossing (scratches and abrasions in the mouth). Before using the product for the first time, it is better to consult your dentist. Should not be completely replaced standard means on caring for your mouth with floss, since in this case it will not be possible to clean your mouth well.

You should check with your dentist about how often to use the accessory. For some patients, doctors allow the product to be used after every meal, for others 1-2 times a day. Uncontrolled flossing can in some cases lead to destruction of the gum structure.

The name "Floss" comes from the English "Floss" or "Toothpick".

This is a special floss that is used to clean the side surfaces of teeth and the interdental space from pieces of food. Toothbrush is not able to penetrate there, and therefore regular use of thread significantly reduces the likelihood of microbes and caries developing in these places.

Their main purpose is to remove dirt from the crevices between teeth.

It is important to know: Flosses can damage the gums, so they should be used carefully.

Kinds

Dental floss is divided into two large groups:

1. Waxed: they are impregnated with wax, which prevents the thread from delaminating. It helps to glide better on the surface and is suitable for use by beginners. This type of floss is easy to break.
2. Unwaxed: When cleaned, these threads separate into several thin threads. This allows you to clean your teeth faster and better, but it is recommended to use them only for experienced people, otherwise you can damage your gums.

There are two types of threads based on the material used:

1. Made from natural material: they are also called silk. This thread is thinner and breaks easier, but does not cause irritation.
2. Made from artificial material: nylon, acetate or nylon. They are more durable, but due to the difference in the origin of the materials, they cannot be used by everyone.

Note: There is also a “Superfloss” thread - it contains a variety of materials.

According to the cross section, the threads are divided into:

1. Flat: the thinnest threads that are suitable for cleaning teeth, the distance between which is minimal.
2. Round: can be used to clean wide interdental spaces.
3. Volumetric: their diameter increases when water or saliva gets on the thread. This helps to regulate the thread sizes.

Depending on the method of application they differ:

1. Regular floss: These are regular floss in containers that can be used by anyone.
2. Hand flossers: These look like strings pulled over a convenient, slingshot-like handle. They are more convenient to use than simple floss.
3. Electric flossers: thanks to the huge number of attachments, they are even suitable for cleaning braces yourself.

Brushing your teeth with a flosser is more convenient, but less thorough, since the thread does not fit as tightly as with “manual” adjustment. Additionally, floss can be impregnated with some useful means: fluorine, sodium fluoride, antiseptic or fragrance. They help strengthen side walls

teeth, thoroughly disinfect the space and freshen your breath.

Mode of application Using dental floss is quite simple: just watch educational photos or videos.

1. The procedure takes place in several steps:
2. It is necessary to cut a piece of 30-40 cm. Then you need to wind the ends of the thread into two index fingers
3. , leaving approximately 5 cm free. Pressing thumbs
4. floss, you need to pass it between your teeth and move it up and down several times to remove dirt.

Then you need to unwind a little thread and pass a new piece between the next teeth. Doctor's comment:

It is impossible to use the same section of thread for several intervals - this is unhygienic and can lead to infection. It is necessary to move the thread by unwinding it a little from your finger. When flossing, it is important to be careful with your gums; pressing on them with floss can cause cuts and injuries. A little bleeding is acceptable the first few times of use while getting used to it, but if your gums don't respond well to flossing long time

, you should consult a doctor.

How to choose the right one From the right choice floss depends on ease of use and thoroughness of cleaning. Pick up best option

For the first time, you should use a waxed thread: thanks to the wax coating, it glides easily over the enamel. After some time, you can switch to unwaxed options.

It is important to remember that flossing has some contraindications, which the dentist should also warn you about. These include:

1. Caries: when cleaning a tooth affected by caries, there is a high probability of chipping off a piece of enamel, which, in turn, will lead to serious problems;
2. Bleeding gums: If your gums are too sensitive, flossing may cause sores;
3. Presence of dentures and braces: for such teeth, the dentist must select a certain soft thread so as not to damage the material.

It is prohibited to use regular floss instead of dental floss: it has a different structure and is completely unsuitable for such cleaning.

Popular brands

Popular and sought-after brands include:

1. “Oral B floss”: the company offers several thread options, among which it is easy to choose the best option. Before purchasing, it is best to check the floss parameters with your dentist.
2. PresiDENT: also has a wide selection of flosses, each of which has unique properties. Almost all of them have certain impregnations: sodium chloride, silver, menthol and others.
3. “Lacalut dental floss”: this option is great for beginners. The company offers waxed thread impregnated with mint, which is easy to use.

1. “Sensodyne”: this thread increases in size when wet and becomes softer. It is optimal for sensitive gums;
2. Colgate: offers two types of floss - Optic White and Optic Total. The first has antibacterial impregnation, the second prevents the appearance of tartar and freshens breath.
3. "Rocs": this company is famous among smokers and lovers of strong tea and coffee. Like all of the company's products, dental floss is designed to polish enamel and remove stains.

In addition to the brands listed above, the dentist may also offer analogues, which may differ. Flossing or dental floss helps to better clean the sides of the teeth that cannot be reached with a regular brush.

They are easy to use, but you should consult your dentist before using them. This especially applies to children: the doctor must choose the most suitable product for their teeth. It is important to remember that flossing cannot replace brushing your teeth - they only complement it.

How to properly clean your teeth and braces with dental floss (floss), see the following video: