DENTAL FLOSSING: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOUR TEETH

Flossing
Dental floss helps to remove dental plaque from in between the teeth. The area between the teeth is not easy to reach with a toothbrush and so we need to floss.
Flossing is not just to remove the food particles from in between the teeth but to remove the plaque. This way we can prevent the plaque from becoming hard.

When to start flossing
Dental literature recommends that we start flossing a s soon the tooth touch each other. When the gap between the child’s teeth is closed then the toothbrush bristles cannot perform the cleaning action.
Normally by the age of 4-5 years the teeth are touching together. So the parents will have to floss the teeth on a daily basis.
A child needs to be helped with dental flossing till he/she is able to do it independently which is around 10 years of age.

Types of floss
Dental floss is available as a multifilament nylon yarn. It has various forms:
• Twisted or non twisted
• Waxed or non waxed
• Bonded or non bonded
• Thick or thin
• Flavored or non flavored

No one type of floss is recommended by the dental authorities. No particular type of floss has any advantages over the other. It is a personal choice, as every type removes the plaque from in between the teeth equally effectively.

How to floss
Flossing your child’s teeth could be difficult in the first few attempts. It is s skill that needs time and practice.
At first it could take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. But with practice it just takes a few minutes.
The first time flossing could be demonstrated by the dentist. This is a good way to learn how to do it correctly. Make a dental appointment and get a demonstration on dental flossing.
There are several ways to floss. One recommended for the child by dentists is the loop method.
• Tie the ends of the dental floss in a loop-use (about 1 foot).
• Then hold the floss tightly between thumb and fore finger.
• Gently glide it between the child’s teeth, but never snap as this can injure the gum and make it bleed.
• Now take it to the gum line against the surface of the tooth. Move the floss firmly to the contact area and then to the sulcus, up and down motion to be repeated a couple of times (never snap it down).
• Continue this procedure on all surfaces
• Change the floss to a clear segment after use on 1 or 2 teeth.

Use of dental floss holder can make flossing a little easier. But flossing with a holder is only recommended in cases of patients lacking manual dexterity.
So you must establish a regular flossing pattern for your child. This way the plaque causing cavities will be removed and no gum disease can occur.