Are floss picks as good as regular dental floss?They might be a little easier to hold, and it’s better to floss with a pick than not at all. But at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria VA, we recommend traditional dental floss or tape. Here’s why:
A floss pick holds just a small section of floss stretched in a straight line. But a tooth is rounded or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t can’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly.
By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more effectively clean that critical area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more precise than a piece of plastic.
We have seen patients who are observant floss pick users who developed decay due to a hairline crack the floss pick missed day after day.
Here is a refresher course on correct flossing:
1. Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss securely against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s essential to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean length for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
5. Some people find it easier to begin on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you opt for, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding ordinarily stops within a week or two.
At the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria VA, we urge you to brush and floss daily. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
