Dental Floss: An Essential Tool for Optimal Oral Health
How Essential is Dental Floss for Your Oral Health?
Why We Recommend Dental Floss at Beecroft Smiles
We believe that dental floss is a crucial component of any comprehensive oral hygiene routine. As your local dentists, we’ve seen firsthand how regular flossing can significantly improve our patients’ oral health. Dental floss reaches areas between teeth and along the gumline that toothbrushes simply can’t access effectively, removing plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Types of Dental Floss We Recommend
Traditional Dental Floss
We often suggest traditional dental floss for patients with normal spacing between teeth. It’s effective and easy to use once you’ve mastered the technique.
Dental Floss Tape
For patients with wider gaps between teeth, we might recommend dental floss tape. Its broader surface area can be more effective in cleaning these spaces.
Dental Floss Picks
For patients who struggle with manual dexterity or find traditional flossing challenging, we often suggest dental floss picks. They’re particularly useful for reaching back teeth.
How to Use Dental Floss Effectively
During your visits to Beecroft Smiles, we’ll demonstrate the proper flossing technique:
- Use about 45 centimetres of dental floss.
- Wind most of it around one middle finger, with the rest around the same finger of the opposite hand.
- Hold the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide it gently between teeth using a rubbing motion.
- When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth.
- Slide it up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline.
- Repeat for each tooth, using a fresh section of floss each time.
Dental Floss for Special Needs
Braces and Implants
For our patients with braces or implants, we recommend specialised dental floss or floss threaders. These tools make it easier to clean around orthodontic appliances and implant structures.
Sensitive Gums
If you have sensitive gums, we might suggest softer dental floss options or those coated with gentle ingredients.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Floss Use
At Beecroft Smiles, we’ve observed numerous benefits in patients who floss regularly:
- Reduced risk of gum disease
- Fewer cavities between teeth
- Fresher breath
- Improved overall oral health
Common Mistakes We See with Dental Floss
During check-ups, we often notice and address these common flossing mistakes:
- Not using enough dental floss
- Flossing too aggressively
- Skipping flossing altogether
We’re always happy to provide guidance and tips to improve your flossing technique.
Alternatives to Traditional Dental Floss
While we believe in the effectiveness of traditional dental floss, we understand it’s not for everyone. We sometimes recommend alternatives like water flossers or interdental brushes, especially for patients with specific dental needs.
Choosing the Right Dental Floss for You
We love to help you find the right dental floss for your specific needs. During your visit, we’ll assess your oral health, discuss your preferences, and recommend the most suitable flossing option.
Dental Floss and Overall Health
Recent research has highlighted connections between oral health and overall health. By recommending regular use of dental floss, we’re not just protecting your teeth and gums, but potentially contributing to your overall wellbeing.
Eco-Friendly Dental Floss Options
For our environmentally conscious patients, we can suggest eco-friendly dental floss options, including biodegradable floss and refillable floss containers.
Teaching Children to Use Dental Floss
At Beecroft Smiles, we believe in instilling good oral hygiene habits from an early age. We offer child-friendly dental floss options and can provide tips to make flossing fun for kids.
Dental Floss in Our Professional Care
During your dental cleaning at Beecroft Smiles, we use professional-grade dental floss as part of our comprehensive cleaning process. This allows us to thoroughly clean areas between your teeth and along the gumline.
Our Commitment to Your Oral Health
We love to help you maintain optimal oral health. Regular use of dental floss, combined with proper brushing and routine dental check-ups, forms the foundation of a healthy smile. We’re always here to answer your questions about dental floss or any other aspect of your oral care routine.
Your oral health is our priority. By adding dental floss to your daily routine, you’re taking a significant step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment at Beecroft Smiles!