Are floss picks as good as regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, we recommend traditional floss or tape. Here’s why:
A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. But teeth are rounded, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just won’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional, string floss.
By wrapping string floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can clean plaque off your teeth far more effectively. We have seen patients who are dutiful floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.
Here is a quick guide to proper flossing:
- Cut a segment of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
- Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
- Hold the floss tightly 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 critical to scrape up and out of the pocket.
- 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 furnish a clean segment for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new piece.
- Some people find it simpler to start 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.
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 typically stops within a week or two.
At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, we want all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. That means daily flossing and brushing, and a checkup in our office every six months. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today!
Contact The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S.:
914-683-5898
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
280 Dobbs Ferry Rd Ste 104
White Plains, New York
10607
