Flossing is very important because it removes food particles and bacteria from hard to reach places not cleaned by conventional brushing. These include in the narrow gaps between teeth and below the gum line. It is these places that are often breeding grounds for bacteria and the location of a lot of dental decay and gum disease.

Dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day to receive the maximum benefits. Proper flossing technique should use about 40 centimetres of floss with the majority wound around one finger on each hand. Tightening the floss between the thumbs until taught, slide the floss up and down between the teeth without forcing it. Gently floss below the gum line all around the bottom of the tooth. For each tooth, use a new and clean section of floss unwound from one of the fingers. To remove the floss, gently work your way back and forth up to the top of the teeth.

It is also important to use the right kind of dental floss for the best results. The two types available are nylon and PTFE. Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties but can sometimes shred when used vigorously between the teeth. PTFE floss is a single thread, unlike the many-stranded nylon thread so is less likely to shred but it is more expensive.

More advice on flossing techniques, which type of floss to use and general dental health advice can be got from your Central London dentist at your next check up. Look after your teeth properly and they will last you a lifetime.

Second only to brushing, flossing is the most important way of keeping your teeth looking and feeling clean and healthy. Brushing alone is unable to remove all the bacteria that builds up in the smallest gaps and spaces in the teeth, so flossing is crucial to thorough dental care.

Flossing involves using a special thin dental wire to remove particles of food, bacteria and plaque form between teeth and below the gum line. Conventional toothbrushes can not fit in the gaps between teeth where food gets lodged, and it also cannot clean teeth below the gum line. It is these hidden areas where decay can really take hold so it is important to keep them clean.

It is also important to remove food particles trapped between teeth as they are responsible for 95 per cent of cases of bad breath. Rotting food particles release foul smelling sulphurous compounds which cause bad breath and lead to tooth decay. A London dentist can demonstrate the most effective ways to floss teeth removing as much bacteria as possible.

If bacteria and plaque does build up in hard to reach areas it can cause cavities and decay that is very hard to treat. By taking the extra couple of minutes each day to floss thoroughly you could save yourself hours of uncomfortable dental treatment and anxiety in the future. It is estimated that teeth cleaning without flossing is like only washing two thirds of your body, which still leaves plenty of room for bacteria to grow. So floss once a day for a complete clean.

Apart from brushing, the most important thing you can do for your teeth is to floss. Dentists recommend that you should floss at least once a day to maintain good oral hygiene. The gaps between your teeth can be home to millions of bacteria, especially when particles of food become lodged there and begin to decay. Decaying food particles are attacked by bacteria and can be the source of bad breath, tooth decay and assorted other dental health problems.

By not cleaning these areas, the bacteria will eventually produce acid that will begin to erode away the enamel and start to cause cavities. This acid will also emit foul smelling sulfurous compounds, the primary reason for bad breath.

The mucus like substance that bacteria live in is called plaque. Brushing removes plaque but it can be hard to clean between teeth with a conventional brush. Flossing also cleans below the gum line which can prevent the onset of gingivitis (gum disease).

If left, plaque will turn into tartar, which causes the teeth to stain and is impossible to remove by brushing and flossing. Tartar also attacks teeth through cavities and can lead to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. Ask a London dentist about the correct way to floss and when is the best time of day to do it.

Recent research has also found that flossing can help to prevent heart disease. There really are lots of good reasons to floss thoroughly every day. It might just save your life.