What Flossing Option is Right for You?

So many people skip the important oral health routine of flossing. Dental floss isn't something you should miss out on. Everyone should be flossing at least once a day, according to Tariq Drabu, a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon.

TariqDrabu owns the successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton in the United Kingdom where he often discusses the importance of flossing with his patients. He advised that many patients will brush their teeth, but they don't floss. When they visit their dentist with tooth pain, they soon learn how flossing can help improve their oral health in the long run.

Dental floss enables you to get into the hard to reach places between the teeth that is missed by basic brushing. Tooth brushing cannot get in between the teeth, which is also prone to plaque, tartar, bacteria and food debris. Flossing at least once a day cleans between the teeth reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Traditional Floss

Traditional floss is dental floss that has been used for years. It comes in a roll and there are flavoured options, if you want something different. To use you pull a long piece of floss, tearing it off using the cutter provided. Wrap the floss around your forefinger on one hand and the other side to the other hand and then gently wiggle the floss between each tooth. Concentrate on the inside of the tooth and gently along the gum line. Use a clean piece of floss for between each tooth to reduce the risk of spreading any infections you may have.

Floss Wands / Sticks

Floss sticks or wands are growing in popularity according to Tariq Drabu. For some people these are much easier to use and have a handle with the floss at the top, ideal for those with fine motor skill issues. You use the floss want the same as dental floss, working it between the teeth and along the gum line.

Prevention

Tariq Drabu advised that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your teeth and you want to preserve your teeth for as long as possible. He prefers if his patients floss twice a day with brushing, but once a day is better than nothing. You can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay by making sure you don't skip this important step of your oral health routine.