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Expert Q&A
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| By Catrise Austin Cosmetic and General Dentist | ||
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Is flossing really that important? If so, how is it done properly and is it necessary for children?
Flossing is extremely important in removing bacteria that causes cavities, as well as gum disease. It is equally important as brushing your teeth. The action of the toothbrush is limited to cleaning the visible plaque. However, flossing is the way to remove hidden plaque, which is nothing but soft bacteria that hides between the teeth and under the gums to cause bad breath and gum disease, as well as cavities.
The proper way to floss is to use two hands to place the floss between the teeth. Once you have lowered the floss between the teeth, wrap the floss around the side of the tooth like a "C" making sure to pull the floss towards the tooth and away from the gums to avoid injury. The object of flossing is to clean the side of the tooth in an up and down (not a stationary side to side) motion to clean the entire root of the tooth. Remember, while you are in the space you should be cleaning the sides of two teeth.
The good news is that dental companies are making flossing easier by the minute. Try using the disposable pre-loaded floss sticks. They are small and easy to use in those usually hard to reach areas. My favorite products are the floss handles and electric flossers called Reach Access Flossers made by Johnson and Johnson. These products makes flossing a breeze.
The ADA recommends that children's teeth should be flossed when two erupted teeth make contact with each other. At this point, the child's teeth are suceptible to developing tooth decay that can be easily prevented by flossing.
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