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Floss is a thin ribbon of nylon or plastic used in conjunction with a toothbrush to clean and remove harmful bacteria from the mouth. Most dentists will recommend that you floss at least three times a week, but if you can floss daily, the results will be even better.
Flossing removes plaque and particles of food from places that your toothbrush won’t reach – between teeth and under the gum line. Accumulated plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so flossing regularly is very important.
Having cleaner teeth doesn’t just keep them protected from decay. It also improves their appearance and gives them a healthy shine. Getting rid of decomposing food debris stuck between your teeth will also help you to avoid bad breath.
There are a lot of different kinds of floss and sometimes it can be difficult to know which kind to use. If you have wide gaps or dental bridges between your teeth, dental tape or ‘wide floss’ is advisable. The differences between waxed and unwaxed floss are minimal, and for many people it comes down to personal preference.
Many people who aren’t used to flossing don’t see it as necessary, but more and more dentists are saying that it should be part of any regular oral hygiene routine. If you aren’t sure where to start, or how to floss, see your London dentist for advice.