Periodontal disease usually occurs between teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. Using floss is a very effective way to remove plaque from these surfaces. However, it is important to develop appropriate technologies. The following instructions will help you, but remember that it takes time and practice.
Start with a dental floss (waxing easier), about 18 inches long. Gently wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. The middle finger of the other hand wraps the rest of the floss.
To clean the upper teeth, hold your thumb firmly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Use a reciprocating motion to gently insert the floss between the teeth. Do not force dental floss or try to snap it into place. Floss is taken to the gingival line and then bent against a tooth into a C shape. Slide it into the space between your gums and your teeth until you feel a slight resistance. Move the dental floss up and down on one side of one tooth. Remember that each space needs to clean two tooth surfaces. Continue to use dental floss on both sides of all upper teeth. Be careful not to cut off the gum tissue between the teeth. When the floss gets dirty, go from one finger to the other to get a new part.
To clean the bottom teeth, use the index finger of both hands to guide the floss. Do not forget the back of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower.
After completion, rinse with water to remove plaque and food particles. If you have bleeding gums or a bit of pain during the first week of flossing, don't panic. If your gums are injured while using dental floss, you may be too hard or hold the gums together. When you use your floss daily and remove the gums, the gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
