Dental floss: what is it and why is it needed?
Dental floss is one of the most common oral care items. It is a thin strip or thread that is used to clean between teeth and remove food debris that can lead to the development of caries, plaque and other oral diseases.
Dental floss is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and is manufactured by several companies around the world, including Spazzolificio Piave S.p.a. (Italy), Arkam GmbH (Germany), GlaxoSmithKline (Great Britain), Johnson & Johnson (United States of America), Jordan (Norway), Landors TCUP (Belarus), MediNova (Germany), Oral-B Laboratories (Ireland). In addition, dental floss is sold under a variety of brands, including Reach, Jordan, and Oral-B.
Depending on the manufacturer and brand, dental floss may contain various additives, such as mint flavor or fluoride, which help protect teeth from cavities. Dental floss can also be coated with Teflon to reduce friction on your teeth.
How to use dental floss?
Flossing can be a little difficult for beginners, but over time it becomes habitual. Dental floss should be used after brushing your teeth, at least once a day. Here are the steps to follow:
- Cut a piece of dental floss about 45 cm long.
- Wrap the ends of the piece around your index fingers, leaving 2-3 cm of thread between them.
- Pull the floss between your teeth, using your index fingers and thumbs to guide the floss.
- Move the floss gently up and down to remove food debris and plaque.
- Remember to use a new section of floss when interdental cleaning is complete.
Flossing may take a few minutes, but it is an important part of your oral care routine that will help prevent the development of dental and gum disease.
In conclusion, flossing is an easy and effective way to take care of your teeth and gums. It can be used in combination with other oral care products such as toothbrushes and rinses for maximum effect. Remember to floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.