Is flossing worth it? Dental floss: good or bad? Can flossing be harmful?

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Can flossing reduce the risk of cavities? Having carefully studied the facts, you understand: everything is not at all as simple as it might seem.

How often do you floss your teeth? This is a question almost always asked by dentists when you find yourself in their chair. We are taught that we should brush our teeth twice a day, as well as brush and paste. But has the benefit of this procedure been proven?

The hypothesis is that flossing reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by preventing plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria fed by the carbohydrates we eat.

If left to chance, these bacteria eventually begin to destroy the surface of the tooth, leading to painful cavities that need to be filled, or even extraction of the tooth if the caries has gone too far.

The minute you remove plaque, it starts to re-form, and if not completely removed, it can lead to gingivitis, in which the gums become inflamed and bleed slightly.

A 26-year follow-up study of men in Norway found that teeth surrounded by inflamed gums were 46 times more likely to lose teeth than healthy gums.

What's wrong with each of us using thread? Here's What: Likely Self-Harming

We know that a toothbrush cannot completely solve the problem of plaque, because there are hard-to-reach places between the teeth. The idea to use dental floss (floss) is credited to a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Farmley, who back in 1815 recommended the use of silk thread for this. But it's not just people doing this. Crab-eating macaques at Phra Prang Sam Yot, a Buddhist temple in Thailand, use long human hair to reach hard-to-reach places in their mouths.

There is a lot of evidence that flossing reduces plaque, but is there any evidence that flossing can reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis? After reading the research data in more detail, you understand: everything is not at all as simple as it might seem at first glance.

A study on children's flossing found that there was indeed a reduction in cavities, but the results were not as clear in adults.

In a review published in 2012 by the reputable international organization The Cochrane Collaboration ( Cochrane Collaboration), studying the effectiveness of various medical devices and techniques, an attempt was made to summarize all existing clinical studies regarding the use of dental floss. There were only 12 such studies, and they were mostly conducted in the USA. Adult participants were divided into groups, one of which brushed their teeth in the usual way, and the other used floss in addition.

What the reviewers found out did not impress them. Combining the results of the studies and re-analyzing them, they found some likelihood of some reduction in plaque, but the evidence base of the studies was assessed as weak and very unreliable. "We can neither confirm nor deny the benefit of flossing in addition to regular brushing," they were forced to admit.

The reduction in plaque suggested a reduction in the incidence of caries in the long term, but no long-term randomized controlled trials have been conducted (the longest of them lasted nine months). None of the studies included an assessment of the presence or occurrence of caries because too little time had passed to see a difference.

Research gap

The results of the gingivitis study tell us more. Flossing really does help reduce risk, even if only by 8%. This is at least reassuring news for flossers, in contrast to a review article published in 2008, according to which regular flossing failed to show any benefit over regular brushing.

If you want to know how to properly floss your teeth, ask your dentist

But the quality of the evidence does not allow any definite conclusions to be drawn. Reviews of the Cochrane Collaboration not only summarize all available data, but also evaluate the study in terms of how well it was designed and conducted. Many of the studies are of low quality.

As weak as the evidence is, we still don't have any others to date. Therefore, it can be argued that if there is a possibility that this can be of benefit to us - what is wrong with each of us using the thread?

Here's the thing: likely self-harm. Some studies have explored this issue. For example, three out of 39 participants damaged their gums during the first month of flossing. However, after two months, two of them had no problems. In another study, two people are known to have injured their gums while using an automatic flossing device (such as an electric toothbrush). But it is reported that they did not do it quite right.

If you want to know how to properly floss your teeth, ask your dentist. And yet, until new evidence appears that can support one or another point of view regarding this method of cleaning, at least try not to hurt yourself.

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Floss is a heavy-duty thread coated with a special polymer. The most widely used synthetic products made of viscose, acrylic, Teflon, nylon. Today, the range of threads with various impregnations: for fresh breath, strengthening enamel, reducing gum bleeding, disinfection, etc. The product is an addition to brushing and rinsing and in no way replaces these hygiene procedures.

Modern medicine has no evidence regarding the benefits of flossing. Moreover, there are many cases when this remedy caused chipping of tooth enamel, infection of the gums. However, many, having once tried this tool, buy dental floss again, claiming that only with it they gained confidence in their smile and got rid of bad breath.

Contraindications to the use of floss include:

• periodontal disease;
• caries.

If there is inflammation or soreness of the gums, severe bleeding, you suspect a carious lesion on the tooth, make an appointment with the dentist before using the floss. Based on objective data obtained during the examination of the oral cavity, the doctor will report on the possible risks when using this remedy. After appropriate treatment, it will be possible to perform a comprehensive cleaning of the teeth without fear.

Top 5 Flossing Mistakes

Dentists rightly note that problems in the oral cavity do not begin due to the use of dental floss, but because these manipulations are performed incorrectly. Among the typical mistakes:

• cleaning the lateral surfaces of different teeth with the same interval of floss;
• too frequent use. One or two times a day is enough;
• flossing before brushing and not rinsing after flossing;
• performing the procedure with unwashed hands.
• too deep insertion of the thread into the gum. The floss should fall into the interdental space just below the gum line, but without fanaticism.

Remember, if your gums bleed a little after you start flossing, this is normal. However, if the bleeding does not go away after 2 to 5 days, you should make an appointment with your dentist.

How to properly floss your teeth

To perform this hygiene procedure, perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Cut a piece about 30 - 50 cm long.
2. Wrap both ends around your middle fingers.
3. Between the fingers of two hands there should be a segment of approximately 3 - 6 cm. Fix it with your thumb and forefinger.
4. Clean interdental spaces, starting with the central incisors of the upper jaw.

It is convenient to bend the contact surface of the thread in the form of the letter "C". You need to move from the lower border of the tooth up and down. On each surface of the tooth, at least 8 - 10 reciprocating movements should be made.

To properly brush your teeth with dental floss, we suggest watching the video:

How to choose the right dental floss

Depending on the goals and preferences, you can choose dental floss:

• impregnated or not impregnated with wax. Waxed slips better without getting stuck. This is the best option if you have braces. Unwaxed removes food residue more effectively, as it does not slip off;
• by type of section. Round is optimal if the interdental spaces are wide, flat - if narrow. Irregular shape well increases in size, soaked in saliva;
• by material. Natural (made of silk) has less strength than synthetic, but it acts more delicately;
• according to the content of various kinds of special impregnations. For example, menthol, sodium fluoride, red pepper extract, antiseptics, chlorhexidine, etc.

WHO does not provide recommendations or any guidelines regarding floss. Dentists do not have a common opinion on this matter. However, in our opinion, one thing can be confidently stated: dental floss in skillful hands helps to remove more plaque from the enamel and food debris. Injury to the gums is also possible with the inept use of a toothbrush. To properly floss and benefit from it, watch a few video tutorials, read our article and make an appointment with a dentist who will explain everything in an accessible way and with examples.

Dental floss. Benefit or harm? How to use and when? Dentists' advice on the choice and rules for the use of floss.

The benefits and harms of dental floss

Attention! Under no circumstances should floss be replaced with regular thread or anything else. All such actions will lead to injury to the gums, oral cavity.

• Deep cleaning of the interdental space, inaccessible to other means
• Normalization of the level of acidity in the oral cavity
• Prevents the appearance of caries
• Helps fight bad breath

How to properly floss your teeth

• First of all, you need to wash your hands
• Next, you need to rewind the required amount of product. One-time cleaning takes about 40 centimeters
• Then you need to wind the ends of the thread around the middle fingers. Pinch the middle between thumb and forefinger

Advice. Use a new piece of floss for each interdental gap. In this way, you can eliminate the possibility of transferring germs.

• You need to floss gently so as not to damage the gums.
• Interdental gaps are cleaned from top to bottom
• To remove plaque, you need to stretch the thread behind the tooth in the shape of the letter "c", gently clean, without sudden movements
• Repeat all steps for each interdental gap

Attention! It is important to brush the outermost teeth. Most of the dental diseases begin with them.

How often should you floss

Floss should be used before or after brushing your teeth

Which dental floss is better: waxed or unwaxed

• Usually covered with wax, which contributes to good glide, penetration into hard-to-reach places
• Cleans well even in the presence of fillings, as well as if the teeth are very close to each other
• High strength. Almost impossible to break
• The shape holds well, does not delaminate
• Suitable for beginners. Convenient to use

• Wax may remain in the interdental spaces. Needs extra cleaning
• Due to the fact that it glides easily, some of the plaque may remain

• Good for cleaning interdental spaces. The thread fits snugly to the teeth
• A creaking sound appears, indicating a quality cleaning

• Low strength. May break
• It is difficult to clean interdental spaces if the teeth are not aligned or very close together. There is a risk of gum injury

Attention! If the floss is stuck between the teeth, do not pull it out with great force. There is a risk of injury to the gums. You need to carefully pull it out with tweezers. You can also try to get it with a thinner product. If none of the methods work, then you should contact your dentist.

Features of flossing with braces

• You need to use a product that is coated with wax. So the glide will be better, the thread will not get stuck in the braces
• The length of the floss must be at least 25 centimeters
• First you need to thoroughly clean under the braces, and then the interdental space
• Repeat this process for each tooth.

Advice for parents. It may be difficult for the child to cope with this procedure on their own. Help him, at least at first, until he gets used to it. Later he will do everything himself.

How to use dental floss: video

Dental floss, or floss, is a dental cleaning tool that does a job that a regular toothbrush can't handle.

It is designed to remove food fragments and plaque from the so-called. proximal surfaces, namely the interdental spaces. Even the thinnest toothbrush bristles are unable to clean them effectively.

The accumulation of plaque on the proximal surfaces is fraught with the development of caries. Therefore, dental floss is not a cosmetic accessory that can be neglected, but a necessary component of oral hygiene along with toothpaste.

Along with positive reviews about dental floss on the Web, you can also find information about the dangers of this dental accessory.

• Flossing damages the gums. The structure of the floss can actually injure the delicate tissue of the gums, resulting in inflammation and then infection. But with proper use of floss, the risk of cutting yourself with it is minimized. And you can scratch your gums with a regular brush, if you approach the process of brushing your teeth with fanaticism.
• Prolonged use of dental floss leads to grinding of the enamel on the walls of the teeth in the treated areas. Enamel is the natural “armor” of the tooth, and damage to it leads to the formation of caries. The results of a number of independent studies have shown that the rate of grinding of the enamel layer of the teeth does not depend on the frequency of flossing. The material from which it is made is no higher in hardness than the bristles of a toothbrush, and enamel is clearly not an enemy.
• Flossing removes bad breath. If amber is associated with the decomposition of food fragments in the interdental spaces, then floss can really get rid of this trouble by eliminating them. But the accumulation of pieces of food is only one of the causes of bad breath. Dental floss does not cure dental infections, it is a hygiene product. Therefore, if after the use of dental floss the smell remains, the reason must be sought not between the teeth, but inside the body.
• It is better to floss once a day, when brushing your teeth in the evening. How often to floss is a purely individual matter. Dentists recommend cleaning the interdental spaces with a floss at least once a day, in the evening, removing food particles that have accumulated throughout the day. But the maximum effect from the use of floss can be achieved if you use it after each meal, and not “wear” the resulting plaque until the evening.

Varieties

Traditionally, floss is a plastic spool that contains a roll of thread itself.

Such a coil is equipped with a mini-cutter for convenient separation of the desired amount.

The raw materials for the manufacture of floss can be:

1. natural silk;
2. synthetic fibers (nylon and kapron are most often used).

Waxed or unwaxed? What type of dental floss is best?

To a greater extent, the effectiveness of the use of dental floss does not depend on the material from which it is made, but on the method of its processing. There are waxed and unwaxed flosses.

Waxed Due to the impregnation with wax, dental floss acquires an integral structure and does not break up into individual fibers during use. The impregnation also increases the sliding properties of the floss, so it easily enters even very narrow interdental spaces. Waxed floss is more resilient and when using it, the risk of injuring the soft tissues of the jaw is lower.

But unwaxed Dental floss also has an advantage - being divided into separate fragments during cleaning, it increases the area of ​​​​contact with the tooth surface. Therefore, the procedure time is reduced, and the effectiveness of unwaxed floss is slightly higher than its wax-soaked “brother”.

Dentists recommend waxed dental floss for children, as well as anyone who is just starting to use this hygienic accessory. Having “stuffed your hand” on brushing your teeth with waxed floss, you can switch to unwaxed.

Round or flat? Classification by section type

According to the type of cross section, dental floss is divided into 5 types:

• round(suitable for cleaning wide interdental spaces);
• flat(effective for caring for crowded teeth);
• tape(recommended in the presence of dental diastema); volumetric (swell under the influence of saliva, increasing in volume and more effectively cleaning the interdental spaces);
• combined containing sections of different section types.

In pharmacies and on store shelves, you can also find aromatic impregnated dental floss, which, in parallel with the main function, also act as fragrances.

Menthol impregnation provides a pleasant smell from the mouth, and fluoride, among other things, strengthens the gums. Flavored dental floss is a good alternative to chewing gum.

What ? Forms and symptoms of the disease, as well as recommendations for effective treatment at home.

Find out what you can do at home with inflammation of the gums.

How to use dental floss correctly?

• Unwind at least 20 cm of thread (it is better to take with a margin);
• wrap the ends around the middle fingers of the right and left hands;
• pull the thread using your thumbs or index fingers;
• place the floss in the interdental space, moving it in a zigzag pattern. Try not to let the floss touch your gums;
• Wrap the floss around the base of the tooth in a "C" shape without joining both ends or forming a loop.
• gently move the thread from the base to the top of the tooth, without making sudden movements;
• after clearing one interdental space, move on to the second.

Only a clean section of floss should be used for each tooth. To do this, unwind a piece of floss from the finger of your left hand, winding an additional one onto your right.

It is for this that you need to take at least 20 cm of thread, so that it is enough for the entire oral cavity. For maximum effect, you need to make at least seven movements for each tooth.

Cleaning the interdental spaces with floss on the upper and lower jaws is a long process, so many people practice selective cleaning, stopping at especially large gaps.

But do not forget that plaque can accumulate between tightly fitting teeth. Therefore, at the end of the day, you should take time to clean all the gaps.

Video on how to properly use dental floss:

Despite all the advantages of flossing, it should not be considered as an alternative to the good old toothbrush. The combination of these oral care products ensures their maximum effectiveness and successful prevention of caries.