Dentists recommend that we brush our teeth twice a day for three minutes. They also say however, that we should floss our teeth at least once a day. Brushing is great for removing the plaque from the flat surfaces of the front and back of teeth, but when it comes to the small gaps in-between and around the base of the tooth, the bristles of a regular toothbrush may be ineffectual.

Using dental floss after meals helps to remove plaque and bacteria from these small gaps. It also helps to remove food particles from between the teeth that can provide food for other bacteria in the mouth. Flossing helps to alleviate gums that are inflamed, which may create small pockets around the teeth, often the location of initial decay. As well as flossing, some dentists recommend using a tongue scraper. This, used once or twice a week, will help to keep the moist surface of the tongue free from bacteria and food particles. This will also help to keep breath fresh. Inter-dental brushes, with very small bristles are another way of making sure your mouth is as clean as it can be. If you are just brushing and are concerned your teeth are not as clean as they should be, make an appointment to see a London dentist to discuss how you could better care for your teeth.

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.

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.

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.