How To Use Dental Floss To Remove Plaque
Plaque can be easily removed from your teeth with dental floss, but it can be difficult to use. The first thing you should do is shop around for some floss.
Unwaxed and waxed are the two options. Those with sensitive gums are better off using unwaxed floss, but it can be difficult to work with. Waxed floss is more user-friendly since it slips more easily between teeth, but it can be irritating to gums. You should try both kinds and evaluate which one you prefer the taste of more.
The next step is to select the appropriate size floss and begin your project. You can prevent the floss from disappearing down your throat by first wrapping its central section around a finger, leaving a small tail at each end. Then, grasp one end of the floss between your thumb and forefinger (or middle finger if you’re left-handed), thread it between your teeth so that an inch protrudes from each side of your mouth, and wrap it around the tooth in the middle so that a small amount of floss emerges through the center hole.
The oral health industry is big business – and yet, poor dental care remains one of the biggest global health problems we face. According to the Center for Disease Control, 42% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. The majority of us will experience tooth loss by age 55. That’s a frightening statistic. Read on to learn more about why flossing is bad and flossing tools.
How To Use Dental Floss To Remove Plaque
You probably hear it from your dental hygienist all the time: brushing alone is not enough to keep your teeth healthy. However, it is exceptionally true. The spaces between your teeth actually make up 40% of tooth surface in your mouth. If you’re only brushing, you’re only cleaning 60% of your teeth.
Despite the many toothbrush or mouthwash ads that say they get between your teeth, it just isn’t the same. The only way to effectively remove plaque from between your teeth and your gum line is to floss.
Which Type of Floss is Right?
Let’s start with the basics and make sure you’re buying the right kind of floss to begin with. If you have any questions about this, be sure to ask the hygienist at your next visit.
- Waxed Floss: You’re probably familiar with this type. It’s typical floss covered with a coating of wax, which makes it less likely to break. Because of this layer, waxed floss may be difficult to use if your teeth are very close together.
- Unwaxed Floss: As mentioned above, unwaxed floss is a simple nylon yarn. Although more susceptible to rip while flossing, it’s great for tightly spaced teeth.
- Dental Tape: This type of floss is wide and flat, and is available waxed or unwaxed. Because of its shape, it’s a good tool for those with a little more space between teeth.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene Floss: You’ve likely seen this at every store that sells floss. This type is made from a Gore-Tex fiber, the same material used in high performance rain gear. The most common brand is Oral B Glide, and it’s great for tightly spaced teeth.
Do You Need a Flossing Aid?
If you have a dental appliance, braces, or any dexterity issues, you may benefit from a tool or aid. There are a few common tools you can find at the drug store.
- Floss Holder: These are y-shape plastic or wooden prongs with floss threaded through, making it easier to floss between teeth. Floss holders can be purchased pre-threaded and disposable (intended for single use), or for continued use that you’d need to thread yourself. They’re especially helpful if you have a hard time flossing traditionally or if you need to floss someone else’s teeth.
- Floss Threader: This is a long, plastic, flexible needle that can help thread floss through wire braces or other appliances. If there are very small crevices where food can get stuck, a floss threader is an excellent tool.
- Super Floss: While they don’t wield any superhuman powers, super floss is individually portioned threads of floss with durable points at each end. They’re another tool that makes it easy to weave around dental appliances.
Flossing Routine Refresher Course
If it’s been a while since you fell out of your regular flossing routine, it’s time to get back in the stride! Here are some steps to remember next time, and be sure to ask your dental professional if you have any questions.
- Use about 18 inches of floss each time you floss.
- When moving between teeth, remember to slide the floss between your fingers so every space gets a clean thread.
- Curve the floss into a c-shape at the base of every tooth, and make sure to use an up-and-down, back-and-forth motion to get all the plaque.
- Be gentle when flossing. You can damage gum tissue by being too forceful.
Why Flossing Is Bad
if done improperly, flossing can cause damage to gums, teeth, and dental work, according to the AP investigation. Sometimes, flossing can also cause harmful bacteria to be released into your bloodstream which could lead to an infection.
Many dentists have said flossing can help remove plaque, food build-up between the teeth, reduce the risk of gingivitis, gum disease, and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
In its statement the ADA said: “Cleaning between teeth removes plaque that can lead to cavities or gum disease from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.
“Interdental cleaning is proven to help remove debris between teeth that can contribute to plaque build-up.”
This advice is echoed by the UK’s National Health Service on its website: “Dental floss helps to prevent gum disease by getting rid of pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth.”
What does the evidence say?
The studies backing up the ADA’s claims are outdated and only surveyed a small number of people, according to AP.
Evaluations of the other studies conducted in the past ten years, found evidence for flossing was “unreliable”, “very low quality” and there was even “a moderate to large potential for bias”.
One review conducted last year said: “The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal.”
Prof Walmsley, who is also a scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said: “The difficulty is trying to get good evidence. People are different and large studies are costly to do… until then you can’t really say yes or no.”
He said “more sophisticated trials” were needed.
When did recommendations for flossing start?
The American Dental Association started promoting flossing in 1908. A dentist in America, Levi Spear Parmly invented flossing in the early 1800s. The first floss was patented in 1874 by which time dentists were recommending the practice.
Currently in the US, studies which evaluate the benefits of flossing can be funded and directed by flossing manufacturers. Two major floss producers, Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson have both said that flossing helps to remove plaque.
But AP revealed that evidence used in Procter & Gamble’s statement was discredited in 2011. And Johnson & Johnson declined to respond to the news agency after being shown research that refuted their claims.
Is flossing harmful?
If done improperly, flossing can cause damage to gums, teeth, and dental work, according to the AP investigation.
Sometimes, flossing can also cause harmful bacteria to be released into your bloodstream which could lead to an infection.
Is cleaning between your teeth beneficial?
Yes. Even sceptics of flossing say cleaning between your teeth is good for you. A Dutch periodontist who has conducted flossing studies says he uses a toothpick.
The British Dental Association said: “Small inter-dental brushes are best for cleaning the area in between the teeth, where there is space to do so.
“Floss is of little value unless the spaces between your teeth are too tight for the interdental brushes to fit without hurting or causing harm.”
Pores get a bad rap, but these microscopic openings in your skin are actually vital for producing oils that moisturize and maintain a healthy complexion. When pores get clogged and form blackheads, however, all you want to do is get rid of them. Preventing blackheads entails much more than lathering up a cleanser and splashing some warm water on your face. Ahead, celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville, founder of Kate Somerville Skincare and Skin Health Experts Clinic, breaks down how to remove blackheads properly—and keep them away for good.
First, how do blackheads form?
Before you attempt to break out the magnifying mirror and remove every blackhead in sight, it’s important you understand where they come from. Somerville explains, “Blackheads form when extra sebum accumulates in the pore, and mixes with debris or dead skin cells, which then oxidizes and hardens.”
7 Types Of Pimples According To Dr. Pimple Popper How To Get Rid Of Pimples, Fast
What happens if you don’t remove blackheads?
Blackheads are a type of acne, and if left untreated, they can stretch out the skin around the pore. Somerville adds, “Blackheads can also be stubborn after extractions. Since the pore may not close up right away, it could lead to sebum filling the pore again and leading to another blackhead forming.”
How do you remove blackheads?
The best way to remove blackheads is to prep the skin with light exfoliation in the shower. Somerville recommends her own ExfoliKate, which removes the top layer of dead skin. It contains resurfacing ingredients like papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, as well as lactic acid. “Additionally, steam from the shower helps warm the skin, which softens and opens up pores for easier extraction,” Somerville adds.
“After you shower and dry your skin, wrap your fingers with tissue paper and gently squeeze the blackhead out of the pore,” Somerville instructs. “If you’re heavy-handed, you can squeeze the blackhead out with Qtips.” Be sure to then treat the area with a witch-hazel soaked cotton pad to soothe the skin, she says.
Are extraction tools safe to use at home?
“I also don’t recommend extraction devices, as they can be too abrasive and take off the top layer of skin,” Somerville says of using tools instead of just your fingers. Step away from those pore strips, too. “The best way to fully extract the blackheads using your fingers. Pore strips and peel-off masks can often only take off the top layer of the blackheads and not fully remove it,” she explains.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
She also adds that the worst way to remove blackheads is pinching at it without any preparation. As she mentioned before, properly cleansing, exfoliating and steaming will open up the pores, making extraction more gentle.
How do you prevent blackheads from forming?
There’s no big secret—just consistency. “The best way to prevent blackheads is a good, consistent routine of cleansing and exfoliation,” says Somerville, who suggests a cleanser with sulfur for treating acne and drawing out impurities. She also notes that family genes can play a significant role in acne in general, including blackheads. “My mom struggled with blackheads, and I have struggled with blackheads growing up as well,” she admits. You can’t fight genetics, but with these tips, you’ll at least have a leg up.
Flossing Tools
Here’s how to know if you’re a kid that’s on trend or just a clueless parent like me. When you think of flossing do you think about dental hygiene or does your mind go directly to a dance move all your friends are doing? If you’re a parent and you don’t already know, this is what your kids are doing when you’re not around.
You might be wondering what a social media fad, or viral cultural phenomenon, has to do with teeth. The truth is, it doesn’t really have anything to do with teeth or with dental hygiene, that is, except that it’s called “the floss” dance.
And just like the internet dance phenomenon, actual flossing is all about technique and making the right moves. Now if only we adults could figure out a way to get our kids or even some of our fellow adults and colleagues to get equally as excited about flossing their teeth.
How to Floss Like A Boss
Flossing, like dancing, is all about establishing the right technique, followed by proper practice until it looks easy.
According to the American Dental Association, this is how you should teach your kids to floss and how you should be flossing your teeth.
- 1Wrap about 18 inches of flossing string around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the middle finger on the other hand.Name of the element
- 2Hold the floss taut between the thumbs and forefingers.
- 3Gently insert the floss in between the teeth.
- 4Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth so that it wraps, or hugs, the tooth.
- 5Gently press the flossing string against the tooth and rub up and down. (Don’t suddenly jerk the string or floss too hard).
- 6Floss all your teeth including the ones in the back.
Flossing, like dancing, is all about establishing the right technique, followed by proper practice until it looks easy.
According to the American Dental Association, this is how you should teach your kids to floss and how you should be flossing your teeth.
7 Flossing Tools for Healthier Teeth
Studies have shown that there isn’t a significant difference in plaque-removing ability between many of the leading flossing products on the market. What’s important is finding a product that works for you and encourages you to floss regularly. Whether you prefer to use waxed string floss, or flavored floss, or a water flosser, what matters is that you floss every day at least once a day and that you do so correctly.
1. Multifilament Woven String Floss
Not all string floss is created equal. There are a few different types that have their unique strengths and weaknesses. One of the most common is multifilament woven string floss. These are essentially tiny ropes made from woven strands of nylon fiber.
Multifilament woven floss is incredibly economical. A typical roll will cost well under a dollar. However, woven strings have certain drawbacks. After a few rubs, woven strings can fray or break leading to discomfort and inadequate plaque removal.
2. Shred-resistant Monofilament String Floss
Monofilament string floss is string floss that is composed of a single, monolithic, strand of material. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of fraying or breakage during flossing.
3. Waxed Floss
Some dental string flosses are coated with a layer of wax. This reduced friction in between teeth leads to improved comfort without compromising plaque removal effectiveness.
4. Dental Tape
Dental tape is another type of string floss. It is essentially a wide, flat ribbon of nylon that comes either waxed or unwaxed. Some people find this type to be grippier, stronger, and easier to slide in between teeth.
5. Water Flosser
Water flossers, such as Waterpik, utilize pressurized water to aid in cleaning around and in between teeth. Much like pressure washing the siding of a house, water flossers shoot a jet of water to remove dental plaque.
6. Alternative Electric Flossers
There are some other electric-powered flossing alternatives to water flossers. Some, such as the Phillips Sonicare AirFloss, directs a steady stream of pressurized air mixed with water vapor to produce the same plaque-removing effects of a water flosser but using much less liquid. Air flossers are also generally much more compact and less unwieldy compared to conventional water flossers.
7. Floss Pick
Flossing with traditional string floss can be somewhat difficult for many. As we all know, proper technique is crucial for common string floss to be effective. It can be quite awkward at times getting to the back teeth with regular string floss. However, with a floss pick, flossing is much easier. A floss pick is simply a small piece of string floss held in place by a plastic prong, like a slingshot. On one end of a floss pick is the string and prong, and on the other side is usually a sharp point, or pick, that can be used like a toothpick.
One of the most basic pieces of advice I give out as an esthetician is that dealing with a blackhead when it’s just a blackhead is the best thing you can do for your pores. Open comedones, or blackheads, are clogged pores filled with sebum (oil), dirt/makeup, and dead skin cells that oxidize when exposed to air.
If left to sit around for too long, they move deeper into pores and can rupture, become infected with bacteria, and develop scarring inflammation. Some theories suggest that all acne originates as a micro-comedone.
So, by treating blackheads in their earliest stage, you may prevent more severe breakouts! Regularly cleaning out clogged pores is crucial for overall skin health.
Blackheads also fill and expand pores, and the longer they remain in the pore, the larger the blackhead can become, and the larger your pore will stretch. Oily skin usually means larger pores, and the risk for blackheads is greater. If you have oily skin, you may wonder if that will ever change.
Often as we age, our oil glands slow down and we produce less oil, so it’s not necessarily “once oily always oily,” I can assure you. These simple do-it-yourself blackhead-fighting masks are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, no matter what stage in life you are in.
Get Glowing Skin for Fall with 8 Pumpkin Mask Recipe.
1. Honey Blackhead Mask
Honey is not only antibacterial but naturally unclogs pores as well. Using clean fingers, on a clean, dry face, apply small amounts of raw honey to your middle and ring fingers and gently pat on the skin where blackheads are present.
Repeat, concentrating on the chin, forehead, and nose areas, being careful to avoid the under-eye area as bruising can occur. Pat for 1–3 minutes total, not in the same area. Gently wash your face with warm water when finished.
2. Clay Blackhead Mask
Clay is a wonderful ingredient to battle blackheads, drawing out impurities and unclogging pores. Moroccan red clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
- 2 tablespoons Moroccan red clay
- 3 tablespoons rose water
- 1 teaspoon mashed avocado
Combine these ingredients to create a paste. Using clean fingers or a brush, apply mask to the t-zone or acne-prone areas. As soon as the mask starts to lighten (a sign it is dry), rinse with warm water.
Avoid using a metal bowl or spoon for this recipe—instead, use glass or wooden instruments to maintain the potency and effectiveness of the clay’s properties.
3. Activated Charcoal Blackhead Mask
Drawing impurities and bacteria to the skin’s surface, activated charcoal scrubs are a fantastic oil blasting recipe for blackheads. Use once or twice a week to fight blackheads and dislodge the gunk from those pesky pores.
- 2 tablespoons unscented liquid Castile soap
- 1 tablespoon almond, jojoba, apricot kernel, or vitamin E oil
- 2 tablespoons finely ground brown or white rice flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder
Our 3 Best Essential Oils for Acne + a Tea Tree & Clay Acne Mask
In a small bowl, stir together the Castile soap and oil. Add the rice flour, baking soda, and activated charcoal powder. The mixture may bubble up a bit. Keep stirring until smooth and creamy. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
To use, splash your face with a little water, so it is damp. Take 1–2 teaspoons of the scrub and gently apply to the face with your fingertips in small, circular motions, being careful to avoid the area around the eyes.
To use as a mask, let the scrub sit on the face for a few minutes for extra oil-absorbing benefits. Rinse with lukewarm water, and pat your face dry. If the scrub becomes too dry, add a little water or almond oil, and stir again until creamy.
4. Egg White Blackhead Mask
Regularly using a deep cleansing mask designed to control oil accumulation in your pores is crucial to keeping blackheads at bay. This mask should be applied at night once a week since the lemon juice can make skin photosensitive (caution with sun exposure, especially if you have a history of photosensitivity, as it may lead to skin hyperpigmentation).
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 teaspoon clay powder
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Calm Troubled Skin With This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Mask
Beat the egg white until fluffy and then add in the clay and lemon juice and mix well. It will form a paste that you will apply to your t-zone area or any other areas prone to blackheads.
If it’s a bit thick, which will depend on the type of clay you use, add a 1/2 teaspoon of water. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water. Follow with an appropriate nighttime facial oil or moisturizer.