Dental floss is a must-have for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy smile. If you’ve never used dental floss before, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some tips for using dental floss correctly: First, you’ll want to find the right type of floss for your needs. There are many different kinds of floss—some made out of waxed cotton, others made out of plastic fibers. They all have their own benefits, so choose one that will fit your lifestyle and preferences!
-Next, make sure you have an ample supply on hand at all times. You should also make sure that everyone in your household knows how important it is to use dental floss regularly so they can help keep your teeth clean as well!
Read on to learn more about How To Use Dental Floss Oral B, Dental Floss Toothpick and Effective and Gentle Cleaning with Dental Floss
How To Use Dental Floss Oral B
Is the floss you’re using safe? Getty Images
Oral-B Glide and similar competitor flosses can expose consumers to toxic chemicals, concludes a new studyTrusted Source.
The authors of the study say this is the first time that the use of certain varieties of dental floss is associated with higher concentrations of chemicals known as PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
PFAS is an umbrella term for a group of related man-made chemicals used in many different consumer products.
PFAS have been produced since the 1940s and are used in everything from cookware and electronics to fast food wrappers and paints.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency consider PFAS a source of potential toxic exposure for humans.
“A study like this highlights some pretty specific, and I would say surprising, sources of chemical exposure,” Dr. Ken Spaeth, chief of environmental medicine at Northwell Health in New York, told Healthline.
“I think it’s fair to say that most people think of their dental floss as benign and not a source of chemical exposure, so I think on a lot of levels, academically, but also on the level of educating consumers, this is an interesting study,” said Spaeth, who is not affiliated with the research.
In the study, researchers looked at several suspected behavioral and lifestyle factors that could potentially affect PFAS exposure in a group of 178 middle-aged women, about half of whom were African-American.
These included whether or not participants used nonstick cookware, ate microwave popcorn, used Oral-B Glide dental floss, or ate fast food packaged in cardboard containers.
Some of these behaviors (consumption of fast food, floss usage) were associated with higher levels of serum PFAS, while others (use of nonstick cookware and consuming microwave popcorn) were not.
Why PFAS are used in products
PFAS are highly prized in certain industries for their “nonstick” or slippery properties.
Teflon, a famous brand of material used to create nonstick cookware is derived from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), part of the family of PFAS chemicals.
‘Glide’ flosses are also made using PTFE.
Despite widespread use, PFAS exposure in humans is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including kidney and testicular cancer, decreased semen quality, and ulcerative colitis.
PFAS are also endocrine disrupting chemicals, meaning they affect the body’s hormone production. This can result in learning, behavioral, and growth problems in children. They can also affect fertility in both men and women.
“Once they are in the body, they hang around for a few years. That’s one of the concerns. It’s not the kind of thing that if you get it inside of you that it’s gone within a couple of hours. It can hang around for quite some time. Obviously the more you’re exposed, the higher the levels can be,” said Spaeth.
In response to the study, Oral-B denied in a statement to USA Today that they found any toxic substances in their product.
“Our dental floss undergoes thorough safety testing and we stand behind the safety of all our products,” the company said.
Alternative options
It should be made clear, however, that not all flosses contain PFAS.
Oral-B Glide and similar competitors represent only one variety.
In the study, researchers screened 18 different floss products for the chemical fluorine as an indicator of PFAS. Only 6 of the 18 flosses tested positive for fluorine — meaning that two-thirds were free of PFAS.
“Historically, the traditional floss has been around a long time. It’s made out of dakron and wax and it’s quite effective,” said Ronald P. Uilkie, DDS, a practicing dentist based in New Mexico. “However, compliance among patients for flossing has always been poor and dismal. In an effort to increase compliance, this ‘glide’ floss has been developed because of the very nature of the material: it’s slippery, it’s slick, and it’s able to pass through the teeth more readily, with greater ease.
He added, “They’ve really become very popular very quickly. They are popular among staff and patients, because in reality, it is easier to floss with them.”
Uilkie is now concerned that this study could undermine the work it has taken over the years to get people to floss, despite the fact that most flosses do not contain any PFAS chemicals.
“Some people are going to use this as an excuse to stop flossing again. There needs to be some notice here that traditional flosses do not pose this health issue and therefore flossing with them is still recommended,” he said.
Dental Floss Toothpick
Is using toothpicks or dental floss a part of your daily routine? If not, make that change today! Cleaning between your teeth is a great way to get rid of food that may have gotten stuck throughout the day. Sometimes we do not even notice these little leftovers, so try to do this every day regardless of whether you feel that little seed from your sandwich between your teeth or not.
Toothpicks or Dental Floss?
Toothpicks and dental floss come in different shapes and sizes so that you can choose the one that fits you and your teeth. Although you can pick one or the other, you can also use both depending on the situation. The most important thing is making an effort every day with brushing and cleaning between your teeth. This will help ensure good dental hygiene with healthy teeth and gums.
Effective and Gentle Cleaning with Dental Floss
Using dental floss once a day is often enough for most people, but feel free to use it more if needed. A good tip to help you remember to floss is to floss every night before brushing your teeth. This will help get rid of any leftover food between your teeth. Which then makes cleaning them with a toothbrush afterwards easier.
There are many different types of dental floss, for example some are designed for especially small spaces, such as Easy Slide Floss. Others expand to ensure more effective cleaning for slightly larger spaces, such as Expand Floss.
If you struggle to reach all of your teeth using regular floss a flosser tool, such as the Easy Clean Flosser, may be right for you. They come with a long handle making it easy to move around in your mouth. Also, this convenient handle makes it easy to store alongside your toothbrush. This may help act as a visual reminder to floss.
When using dental floss in any shape or size remember to be gentle. To maintain clean and healthy teeth gently move the floss up and down between your teeth. Try to avoid any sawing motions from side to side.
A great alternative: Toothpicks
If you are already using dental floss, great, then you do not have to use toothpicks as well. Yet, they may still come in handy especially on the go. They are easy to carry around and can help you remove that stubborn piece of food that got stuck during dinner.
As with dental floss, there are several types of toothpicks to choose from. Our Dental Sticks come in a nice dispenser, making it ready for display on your dinner table. With natural flavour and no additives, it is suitable for all occasions. Another option is Clinic Thin Toothpicks, which contains fluoride and mint. These are recommended for those with narrow to normal spaces between their teeth.
Again, remember to be gentle especially if you have sensitive or receding gums. A good start is to use dental floss daily and use toothpicks as a helpful supplement when needed.
Dental floss thread
Flossing helps prevent gum disease as removing plaque accumulated around the teeth can ensure the mouth remains clean and healthy. Flossing regularly with the best suitable type of floss can help avoid unplanned visits to the dental office. Here’re some of the most recommended types of flosses and their uses.
Simple floss (Dental floss)
Simple dental floss is a thread consisting of thin filaments. It helps in cleaning spaces between the teeth before tooth brushing. These threads can reach and clean teeth from every angle, ensuring the gumline areas remain spotless. You can buy a pack at grocery stores or pharmacies. However, this floss is not recommended for patients who have dental retainers, bridges, or braces.
Floss threaders
A floss threader is a piece of plastic that’s flexible and rigid. It assists the dental floss to pass around orthodontic wires, dental bridges, and retainers. Floss threader appears like a needle and can easily pass from the small space between the teeth.
Patients who have orthodontic appliances fitted in the mouth as a part of treatment do not have to neglect teeth. Floss threaders help them in cleaning all the teeth properly. Floss threader works fine with any floss thread, and you can buy the same from a pharmacy or a shopping mall that has a dedicated section for dental care products. Reusable floss threaders are most recommended, as they can be reused after merely rinsing with warm water after use.
What’s super floss?
The areas around bridges, braces, and dental wires can prove to be a heaven for plaque and harmful bacteria. Thus, these dental fixtures need proper attention while cleaning. And this is where super floss comes into the picture. These flosses have three components that work together—a regular floss thread, spongy floss, and a dental floss threader that has a stiffened-end.
The first part is stiffened-end dental floss. The spongy part (middle segment) of the floss consists of cotton or nylon threads coated with wax. The end part is a simple wax-coated piece of thread.
Super floss allows patients to clean the areas around dental fixtures, remove plaque accumulated under the gumline, and clean dental braces, bridges. Several brands offer flosses with multiple threads for cleaning braces. However, Oral B super floss is the most preferred option. You can purchase it in a box of single floss or a packet of 50.
Floss picks
Floss picks consist of a small handle with two end posts that hold a short string of floss. Also referred to as floss sticks, they can be used as an alternative to a wooden toothpick.
A floss pick is perfect for getting rid of food particles that accumulate between the teeth and along the gum line. It cannot clean areas under braces, retainers, and bridges. Dentists recommend the same for patients who have issues with their hands, fingers and cannot use a wooden toothpick. Some floss picks have threads that can work as tongue scraper as well. You can also opt for floss picks with handles that have no-slip grips.
Oral care products manufacturers also offer battery-powered floss picks in selected markets. These units are designed to clean the teeth, gums, and vibrate to massage these areas.
All-natural products
Patients can also opt for locally manufactured all-natural flosses that are either made from biodegradable silk or other natural materials. There are products with threads infused in tea tree oil or other natural antimicrobial oils.
Water picks and flossers
Advanced water flossers can remove the plaque between teeth within seconds. These devices use bursts of water and air for hasslefree cleaning. The option is best for patients who are uncomfortable with string floss. Users can fill water or mouthwash in the device, aim the nozzle on the affected teeth, and blast the debris away with just a few seconds. Your dentist can recommend the best water flosser as per your dental structure.
There’s no one-floss-for-all
One flossing product may not be suitable for all family members. Preferences of members change over time as per the individual’s dental health condition. Children initially need child-sized flossers and can opt for an electric flosser at a later stage. Similarly, persons with dental fixtures cannot do with simple floss and require floss threaders or super floss.
Unfortunately, just around 4 out of 10 Americans spend time in flossing daily. Initially, it may seem time-consuming, but it only takes a few minutes once you get used to the same. Individuals who floss just once should consider doing it before brushing every day so that the plaque and bacteria loosened after flossing are removed while brushing.
If you need a reputed dentist who can recommend the best type of floss for you or your child, you should fix an appointment at TruCare dental clinic in Roswell (GA).
FAQs Related to Flossing
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about flossing, have a look:
1.How often should you use super floss?
It is advisable to floss every day. While cleaning the teeth, dental fixtures need proper attention. Ignorance can lead to the buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria. Therefore, cleaning with Super Floss helps manage oral hygiene while protecting the teeth from caries/decay and periodontal problems on the abutments.
2. Is it OK to not floss with braces?
No, flossing is essential if you are wearing braces. Braces can easily accumulate food particles, liquids, or sugars when you eat or drink something. If not cleaned properly, it may lead to serious teeth and gum problems. Therefore, to ensure the good health of your teeth and gums, you must not ignore brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
3. How many times can you use a floss stick?
Flossing is done to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth. Reusing the same floss stick may reintroduce the old bacteria and even some varieties of bacteria. Therefore, it is better not to use the same floss stick again.
4. Is a water flosser good for braces?
Yes, using a water flosser for braces is safe. It is a perfect tool to reach in those hard-to-reach corners
and gaps. Thus, help to keep teeth healthy and clean.
5. Can I use a normal thread for flossing?
Normal threads have a rough texture that may harm the gums if flossing is not done carefully. Besides, normal threads can break easily and get stuck in between the teeth. Instead, use dental floss that is specifically made for flossing purposes and is gum friendly. Dental floss can remove debris and plaque in-between the teeth easily without causing any harm.