FLOSSING

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between teeth.  Unfortunately, our toothbrush can't reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth and bone.  Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of  living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  These bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums.  Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gum line, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar).  This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone.  This is the beginning of periodontal disease.  Studies show that after removing plaque from your teeth using dental floss, it takes 24 hours for these bacteria to multiply to large enough numbers to cause teeth and gum damage.  Thus, flossing every 24-48 hours is a must.  Flossing once or twice a week won't cut it.

Many patients tell me their gums really hurt when they floss their teeth and stop flossing.  It's not the flossing that is causing the problem but NOT flossing.  By not flossing, your gums are becoming raw and ulcerated.  More frequent flossing toughens up the gums and removes the bacteria.  If you had an infection on your hand that was full of bacteria it would be painful.  Your gums are the same.

How to floss properly:

• Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and under the gum line.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line.