Do you know dental floss is just as important as brushing your teeth? It’s one of those things that many of us overlook, but flossing plays a huge role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While brushing helps clean the surfaces of your teeth, dental floss is your best mate when it comes to cleaning between those tricky spots that your toothbrush just can’t reach. If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re missing out on a major part of your oral hygiene routine.
In this article, we’ll have a look at why dental floss is so important, how to use it like a pro, and whether it actually expires – because yes, even dental floss has a use-by date! Let’s dive in and keep those pearly whites shining!
Why is Dental Floss Important?
Dental floss isn’t just a fancy tool you see in the dentist’s office. It’s a game changer when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Sure, brushing your teeth is essential, but it only cleans the surfaces of your teeth. What about the areas between them? That’s where plaque, food particles, and bacteria love to hide. Flossing is the only way to reach these nooks and crannies, making it an essential part of your daily oral care routine.
Here’s why dental floss should be a regular in your bathroom routine:
1. Prevents Cavities Between Teeth:
Tooth decay loves those hidden spots between your teeth, and brushing alone might miss these areas. Regular flossing helps remove plaque and food debris, cutting down the chances of cavities forming in these tricky spots.
2. Fights Gum Disease:
Plaque buildup along your gum line can lead to gum disease – not a fun experience. Flossing helps keep your gums healthy by removing plaque and bacteria from beneath the gumline, preventing gum issues like gingivitis.
3. Keeps Breath Fresh:
If you’ve ever experienced bad breath after a meal, you know how annoying it can be. Flossing removes trapped food between your teeth, reducing the risk of that stale breath from food particles or bacteria.
4. Improves Overall Health:
Believe it or not, your oral health is linked to your overall health. Research has shown that gum disease is closely related to serious systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even complications during pregnancy. Flossing helps lower your risk by keeping your gums in good shape.
Bonus Content: Oral Hygiene Tips
How to Use Dental Floss?
Now that you know why flossing is important, let’s talk about how to do it right! You’d be surprised how many people skip this step or do it the wrong way. Flossing is pretty simple once you get the hang of it – and no, you don’t need to be a dentist to do it properly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using dental floss:
1. Pick the Right Floss:
There are different types of floss out there – waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, and dental tape. Waxed floss is perfect for tight spaces because it slides more easily, while unwaxed is great if you’ve got wider gaps between your teeth. Go for what suits you best.
2. Cut the Right Length:
Take about 45 cm (18 inches) of floss – that’s enough to work with without running out halfway through. Wrap most of it around your middle fingers and leave around 2 inches to use between your teeth.
3. Hold the Floss Properly:
Pinch the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving the small section to work with between your hands. You should have good control over the floss so you can move it gently between your teeth.
4. Gently Glide Between Teeth:
Don’t snap the floss between your teeth – that could hurt your gums! Instead, gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
5. Form a C Shape Around Each Tooth:
After gently sliding the floss between your teeth, carefully curve it around each tooth to form a C shape. Slide it up and down along the sides of the tooth, reaching just below the gumline to get rid of any lurking plaque.
6. Move to the Next Tooth:
Once you’ve cleaned one gap, move to the next, using a fresh section of floss for each tooth. This ensures you don’t spread any bacteria or debris around.
7. Rinse After Flossing:
After you’re done, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to wash away any remaining bits of food or bacteria.
Does Dental Floss Expire?
Here’s a good one: does dental floss expire? It’s not a question you might think about too often, but just like anything, floss does have a shelf life – although it’s pretty long! While it doesn’t spoil in the traditional sense like food does, over time, the quality of the floss can deteriorate, and it may not work as well as it once did.
Here’s what you need to know about the expiration of dental floss:
Packaging:
Most floss comes in a plastic case that helps protect it from moisture and dirt. But if the packaging is damaged or it’s been stored somewhere damp, the floss can degrade faster.
Wax Coating:
If you’re using waxed floss, you might notice that the wax coating starts to wear off after a while. Without the coating, the floss may not slide as easily between your teeth.
Fraying and Breaking:
If your floss is starting to fray or snap easily while using it, it’s definitely time to replace it. This means it’s lost its strength and could break when you need it most.
Expiration Dates:
Some floss brands may print an expiration date on the packaging. While it’s usually not a strict rule, it’s a good idea to replace your floss if it’s been lying around for ages or has gone beyond that date.
When to Replace Dental Floss
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to replace your floss:
- The floss feels stiff or brittle.
- It’s starting to fray or break during use.
- The wax coating has come off.
It’s good practice to replace your floss regularly, even if it doesn’t have an official expiry date printed on it. Just store it in a dry, cool place and keep it in its original packaging to make sure it stays in top condition.
Happy Flossing!
Dental floss might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually one of the most effective tools for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing is great, but flossing is essential to clean between your teeth and fight off plaque and bacteria.
If you’re unsure about how to floss properly or need advice on maintaining your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact Dentists at Surrey Hills. We can guide you on the best flossing techniques, provide tips on improving your overall oral hygiene, and help you keep your smile shining bright.
Remember, flossing is just as important as brushing – so don’t skip it! Happy flossing!
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