Dental floss, or tooth floss, is a cord of thin filaments used to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth in areas a toothbrush is unable to reach. As the build-up of plaque between the teeth is the primary cause of dental disease, such as gingivitis and dental caries, the use of floss is commonly recommended in order to prevent these conditions from developing.
FLOSSING TECHNIQUE
Tip 1: Wind about 45cm of floss around your middle fingers and rest it across your thumbs and index fingers.
Tip 2: Always insert the floss gently using a gentle side-to-side motion to avoid traumatising the gums.
Tip 3: To clean the “neck” of the tooth, which is the point at which it meets the gums, curl the floss and insert it gently under the gum.
MAKING FLOSSING A ROUTINE
Children should be encouraged to start flossing early, however parental guidance is preferable till the age of 10, to ensure efficient flossing.
It is recommended by most Dentists to floss at least once daily in the morning or at night.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) still recommend flossing daily.
