Questions on Dental Floss

Queen-Mise

Ok i am very embarrassed asking these questions. I think it is one of those that we presume we all learn somewhere in our childhood, and then never ask as we get older.

I have recently started flossing my teeth, being well aware of its incredible benefits for many years now, I can now rest assured that i will live 5 years longer because I floss my teeth;)

My question is: What are you aiming to do when you floss your teeth? Do people floss all their teeth? Is it to clean dirt between your teeth? I presume you are not trying to clean teeth themselves, wouldn't you just being scraping the enamel off the teeth.

Thanks in advance

suzieb

Yeah to add onto what the last poster said, if you try to remember that each tooth has only two/three surfaces that your brush can clean properly thats the main reason to floss.

By flossing between your teeth you are reaching the areas that your toothbrush won't be able to.

Hold the floss tight in both hands(i wrap it around both my index fingers and guide the floss up the left hand side of the tooth and curve it when you reach your gum to get it slightly under where the gum meets the base of the tooth then do same on right side).

Your gums will more than likely bleed when you start doing it regularly but dont let it put you off its not a bad thing,they'll start to get stronger and its well worth it you notice a big difference in your teeth after a week or so of regular flossing.

HTH

TiptoeMushroom

My god it takes me ages though....

seanybiker

I dont use floss anymore. It used to get caught down the bottom of me front teeth and I'd freak out. It gave me the "funny feeling" in me bottom teeth that I get when a flu is on the way. yuck.

FruitLover

I've started using a 'Waterpik' (this yoke) recently instead of flossing. I was wondering if any dentistadors present could give their opinion? Is it better than flossing? Is it a hoax/scam?