We all brush daily, some of us may be even brushing twice, once in the morning and once in the night, and yet we find that plaque sticking like glue at the sides of your teeth! Although we gargle with that all new mouthwash we just bought, there is still a tinge of smell in our breath! What can be the possible reason, and more that that what can be the solution?? Well, maybe it’s time to floss it down!
Being much more flexible than a tooth brush, floss can go between two teeth, where your brush normally does not reach. It helps in removing the unyielding ‘tartar’ which is a form of hardened dental plaque, caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on the teeth. This unwanted plaque, if ignored for a longer period of time and if not taken seriously, can have various long term implications, including gum disease.
Now that you know how important flossing really is, what exactly is floss and what is the right way of flossing? To begin with, floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The ends of the floss must be wrapped around your index fingers and then you press it gently along the side of each tooth and move it back and forth, as well as up and down, to dislodge plaque that is stuck onto the teeth. While you are working on your teeth, the floss keeps getting soiled as it is being used, hence keep rolling it to a fresh one. After you are done, rinse, and you are already flaunting your fresh breath and that million dollar smile!!
But remember, that flossing needs to be handled with care, as in your excitement to floss for healthy teeth; you might just end up hurting your gums by aggressive flossing thereby leading them to bleed.
Flossing at least thrice a week, say dentists, actually helps in reducing the risk of developing a dental cavity. All the more, you smell fresh and your teeth look polished.
Now, if you are wondering where can you get a dental floss and what type is the best, then here lies your answer: Dental floss is easily available at any chemist shop in your area. All you have to do is simply ask for a ‘Dental Floss’. The types available are: flavoured/unflavoured. You can select the flavor you best like. However, the flavor is only an inducement to keep you going at it. In fact, flossing should ideally be accompanied with daily brushing for best results including, long term oral hygiene.
As what you eat is directly proportional to your overall dental health, it is advisable to consume lots of fruits and vegetables and drink more of water than aerated drinks, to avoid discolouration of teeth. Also, a regular visit to the at least twice a year for a general dental check-up and cleaning is recommended.
Basic dental hygiene:
- Brush twice daily, although it sounds clichéd, it’s the best dental health you can give your teeth.
- After use, be sure to dispose off floss.
- Be extra vigilant when flossing with braces, it is advised that you remove your braces to floss.
- Visit your nearby dentist for the all-inclusive checkup.
- Cover your toothbrush when not in use(Leave it open to dry)
Interestingly, as much as what you eat determines your dental health, your dental health also determines what you can eat!
