Beyond Brushing : How Floss & Interdental Brushes Helps
- anuj mewada
- Jun 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Brushing your teeth is important, but it doesn't clean everything! To truly have a healthy mouth, you need to clean between your teeth too. This is where Floss & Interdental brushes come in.
Why Flossing Matters?
Brushing is fantastic, but those bristles can't reach everywhere. Food particles and plaque love to hide between teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
This bacterial build-up can lead to a host of problems, including:
Gum disease: Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, causes irritated and inflamed gums. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the bone supporting your teeth.
Cavities: Plaque buildup between teeth can produce acids that eat away at tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Bad breath: Food particles stuck between teeth contribute to bad breath (halitosis).
Flossing tackles these issues head-on by:
Removing plaque and food particles: Flossing reaches between teeth, dislodging plaque and food debris before they can cause trouble.
Promoting gum health: Regular flossing stimulates gums and improves blood circulation, keeping them healthy and reducing inflammation.
Freshening breath: By removing food particles, flossing combats bad breath for a fresher, more
How to floss
Gear Up: Grab about 18 inches of floss. You can use traditional string floss, or explore options like floss picks or water flossers (oral irrigators) if you find them easier.
Wrap it Up: Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a good inch of floss taut between your thumb and index finger of each hand.
Guide the Glide: Gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a sawing motion to navigate the curve of each tooth.
Hug the Tooth: Once between teeth, curve the floss around the side of one tooth and gently scrape up and down the gumline to remove plaque. Repeat on the other side of the tooth.
Rinse and Repeat: Unwind a fresh section of floss as you move to the next set of teeth. Floss all your teeth, then rinse your mouth with water.
Flossing Tips & Tricks
Find Your Floss: Experiment with different floss types (string, picks, water flossers) to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
Be Gentle: Don't force the floss. If it feels like it's getting stuck, ease it back and forth gently.
Make it a Habit: Aim to floss once a day, ideally before bedtime. Consistency is key!
Don't Be Discouraged: If your gums bleed at first, it's likely due to inflammation. Continue flossing gently, and the bleeding should subside as your gums improve.
Flossing is a simple yet powerful tool for a healthy smile and overall well-being. For any specific concerns or questions about flossing, consult your dentist. With a little effort, you can floss your way to a brighter, fresher, and healthier you!
What are interdental brushes?
Imagine a tiny toothbrush for in between your teeth. That's an interdental brush! They remove plaque (sticky stuff that can cause cavities and gum problems) from those tight spaces a regular brush can't reach.
Why use them?
Works very well where gaps are very large.
Can Reach areas where normal brush does not.
Can reach areas here FLOSSING is difficult
Can help your gums feel less sore and bleed less (if they already do)
Freshens breath
How to use Interdental brush:
Find the right size brush (ask your dentist if you're unsure). It should fit snugly between your teeth without hurting.
Gently slide the brush back and forth between your teeth a few times.
Do this for all the spaces between your teeth, once a day.
Tips:
Different sized brushes might be needed for different parts of your mouth.
The brush may bend a little to reach certain areas.
You may find your gums bleed a little at first, but that should stop soon.
Using interdental brushes is a simple way to take care of your mouth and keep your smile healthy!
