Healthy Smile, Healthy Teeth:
A radiant smile is not only an expression of joy and self-confidence, but also a reflection of your health. Healthy teeth and well-maintained gums are essential for this. However, daily brushing with a toothbrush alone is often not enough to clean the interdental spaces. This is where dental floss comes in.
Dental health is of immense importance for overall health. In addition to brushing, the daily use of dental floss plays an important role in removing plaque and bacteria from the interdental spaces that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. In this blog article, I answer the most important questions about the use of dental floss and provide practical tips for optimal oral hygiene.
The Invisible Danger in Interdental Spaces:
Plaque and food debris accumulate in the interdental spaces and cannot be reached with a toothbrush. These deposits can lead to cavities, gum inflammation, and periodontitis. Periodontitis (colloquially often called gum disease) is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss or have other health consequences.
Dental Floss: The Simple Solution:
Daily use of dental floss effectively removes plaque and food debris from the interdental spaces, thereby preventing the aforementioned conditions. The application is simple and quick to learn.
Should You Use Dental Floss Every Day?
Yes, dental floss should be used daily. It helps remove plaque and food debris between the teeth that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Plaque is a bacterial layer that forms on the teeth and can cause cavities and other dental diseases.
Dental floss removes plaque and food debris from the interdental spaces, thereby preventing or delaying the development of cavities and other dental diseases. Additionally, dental floss can keep the gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum diseases such as periodontitis.
I recommend using it once daily in the evening.
Should You Use Dental Floss Before or After Brushing?
Dental floss should be used after brushing your teeth and after rinsing with mouthwash. This prevents the toothbrush from pushing food debris back into the interdental spaces.
How Do I Find the Right Dental Floss?
The right dental floss for you depends on your personal needs. You should consider the following factors when purchasing:
- Thickness: Dental floss comes in various thicknesses. Thicker dental floss is suitable for people with wide interdental spaces, while thinner dental floss is suited for people with narrow interdental spaces. If you are unsure which thickness is right for you, consult your dentist for advice.
- Flavor: Dental floss comes in various flavors. Choose a flavor that appeals to you.
- Tape or Thread: With tape, you determine the length yourself; with pre-cut threads, ready-to-use pieces of dental floss are already prepared. Choose whichever makes application easier for you.
What Is the Difference Between Waxed and Unwaxed Dental Floss?
Waxed and unwaxed dental floss differ in their texture.
Waxed dental floss is smoother and slides more easily between the teeth. It is particularly easier to use with tight interdental spaces. Waxed floss is gentler on the gums, making it a better choice for those with sensitive gums.
Unwaxed dental floss is rougher than waxed dental floss and can remove plaque and food debris more efficiently.
Which type of dental floss is right for you depends on your personal preferences. If you have difficulty guiding dental floss between your teeth, you should use waxed dental floss. If you can easily pass floss through your teeth and want to remove plaque and food debris as thoroughly as possible, you should use unwaxed dental floss.
Can I Make Mistakes When Using Dental Floss?
Yes, there are some mistakes you should avoid when using dental floss! Here are the 5 most common mistakes when using dental floss!
- Thread too short: The ideal thread length is approximately 30 - 40 cm.
- Too much pressure: The dental floss should be gently guided between the teeth without applying too much pressure. Pulling too hard can injure the gums.
- Using unsuitable dental floss: There are different types of dental floss. Thinner dental floss is suitable for tight interdental spaces, while thicker varieties are recommended for wider gaps. Waxed dental floss slides more easily, while unwaxed dental floss removes plaque more efficiently.
- Incorrect motion: The dental floss should be guided in gentle up-and-down movements. Sawing motions can damage the gums. Always move the dental floss only up and down, and avoid sawing motions! This way you prevent injuries to the gums.
- Irregular use: To achieve the best possible effect, dental floss should be used daily.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that you are taking optimal care of your teeth and using dental floss correctly.
With the right technique and the selection of suitable dental floss, cleaning the interdental spaces can be done effectively and comfortably.
Interdental Sticks -- A Valuable Alternative to Dental Floss:
In addition to dental floss, interdental sticks offer another way to effectively clean the interdental spaces. They are particularly suitable for people who have difficulty using dental floss.
Advantages of Interdental Sticks:
- Easy to use: Interdental sticks are easy to handle and do not require any special technique.
- Effective cleaning: The soft bristles of the sticks reliably remove plaque and food debris from the interdental spaces.
- Gentle cleaning: Interdental sticks are particularly gentle on the gums and are therefore also suitable for sensitive gums.
- Various sizes: Interdental sticks come in various sizes, so the right size can be found for every interdental space.
- Convenient for on the go: Interdental sticks are small and handy, making them ideal for use while traveling.
Interdental sticks are a valuable alternative to dental floss and offer a simple and effective way to clean the interdental spaces. They are particularly suitable for people who have difficulty using dental floss or have sensitive gums.
Tip: Ask your dentist which type of interdental cleaning is best suited for you.
How to Use Dental Floss Correctly:
The daily use of dental floss is an important part of oral hygiene and contributes to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. With the right technique and the selection of suitable dental floss, cleaning the interdental spaces can be done effectively and easily.
1. Choosing the Right Dental Floss:
How to Use Dental Floss, Step by Step:
- Use approximately 30 - 40 cm of dental floss.
- Wrap the ends around your middle fingers.
- Gently guide the dental floss between your teeth.
- Thoroughly clean each interdental space.
- Use a gentle up-and-down motion.
- Rinse your mouth with water after use.
Mistakes When Using Dental Floss:
Dental floss is an effective tool for cleaning the interdental spaces, but some mistakes can make application more difficult and reduce its effectiveness.
Ask your dentist if you have any uncertainties about using dental floss.
Common Mistakes:
- Pulling too hard: The dental floss should be gently guided between the teeth without applying too much pressure. Pulling too hard can injure the gums.
- Too much pressure: When cleaning the interdental spaces, excessive pressure should also be avoided. This can lead to gum recession and sensitive tooth necks.
- Incorrect motion: The dental floss should be guided in gentle up-and-down movements. Sawing motions can damage the gums.
- Using unsuitable dental floss: There are different types of dental floss. Thinner dental floss is suitable for tight interdental spaces, while thicker varieties are recommended for wider gaps. Waxed dental floss slides more easily, while unwaxed dental floss removes plaque more efficiently.
- Irregular use: To achieve the best possible effect, dental floss should be used daily.
With the right technique and the selection of suitable dental floss, cleaning the interdental spaces can be done effectively and comfortably.
What Can Happen If You Don't Use Dental Floss?
The daily use of dental floss is an important part of oral hygiene and contributes to maintaining the health of teeth and gums. If dental floss is not used, the following negative consequences can occur:
1. Plaque Buildup and Cavities:
Plaque and food debris accumulate in the interdental spaces and cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. These bacteria can cause cavities, which can lead to tooth decay and toothaches.
2. Gum Inflammation:
The plaque bacteria can also cause gum inflammation (gingivitis). The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis.
3. Periodontitis:
Periodontitis is a severe disease of the periodontium that can lead to tooth loss. The bacteria destroy the bone that holds the teeth. Teeth can become loose and, in the worst case, fall out.
You can read more about this widespread disease, which affects approximately 80% of all people during their lifetime, here: https://drlhotka.com/blogs/zahngesundheit/was-tun-wenn-das-zahnfleisch-verschwindet
4. Bad Breath:
The bacteria in the interdental spaces can also cause bad breath (halitosis).
5. Unclean Feeling in the Mouth:
Without using dental floss, the mouth often does not feel clean.
In summary, not using dental floss can have negative effects on dental health. It is therefore important to use dental floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from the interdental spaces and to maintain the health of teeth and gums.
Additional Tips for Using Dental Floss:
- Visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth checked and to have a professional dental cleaning performed.
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid sugary foods and beverages.
- Drink sufficient water to stimulate saliva flow.
With proper oral hygiene and the daily use of dental floss, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and maintain a radiant smile.