Dentists around the world recommend that one should clean between their teeth using dental floss, especially after a meal. Dental floss is a soft thread made out of silk that is used to clean and remove those food particles between the teeth that are out of reach for a toothbrush. Flossing is a good habit and is practiced by many. It gets rid of very tiny food particles that stay even after a rinse and can become a cause of infection.
How does it Help?
Ever since birth, every meal that people take leaves its mark on the teeth. That mark is known as plaque. Plaque is a yellow thin bacterial film that sticks on the teeth and gives an unpleasant look whenever you open your mouth in front of anyone. If not taken care of frequently, it can also be hazardous for tooth health as it releases an acid that destroys the enamel and can cause cavities. Food stains are not the only cause of plaque; the polluted air that we often breathe in also causes our teeth to stain. Brushing your teeth twice a day, daily can help clean that plaque or prevent it from developing in the first place.
But brushing doesn’t get you rid of the plaque that is between the teeth. That area is out of reach for a toothbrush. For cleaning the plaque settled in that area, floss can be used. Being very thin, a floss string can reach that tiny gap and clean that sticky bacterial film from the teeth.
When to Floss?
Ideally, the best time to floss is right after a meal, but some suggest that to make it a habit, one should do it at a time that suits their schedule. Some people make it an early morning ritual and do it right after they wake up and brush their teeth while others prefer doing it before going to bed at night.
Does Flossing too much bear Consequences?
Experts have suggested that flossing too much, especially when someone is doing it the wrong way can be harmful. Flossing too much or applying too much pressure while flossing can damage your teeth and gums. Flossing more than once a day is recommended, especially when someone is done with a meal to clean off the food debris stuck between the teeth. Dental care associations from around the globe suggest that one should brush their teeth at least twice a day and every day. And floss their teeth before or after brushing to clean off the hidden plaque and impurities. Flossing and brushing are not enough for ensuring one’s dental health. Visits to a dentist should also be made every once in a while to guarantee that you are taking good care of your teeth.