Using dental floss correctly:
Cleaning the spaces between your teeth is particularly important because it is difficult to reach them with a toothbrush and food particles can easily build up. When you brush your teeth normally, only about sixty percent of the tooth, i.e. the inside and outside of the teeth, are cleaned. Food particles tend to accumulate in the gaps, which in turn feed bacteria and can lead to stubborn plaque (tartar) and other dental problems such as tooth decay, bad breath and inflammation of the gums and gum socket. Interdental brushes are recommended to clean the spaces between your teeth thoroughly. However, the mini brushes cannot reach the gaps in narrow places, so dental floss is the right tool for that. We will show you how to use dental floss correctly.
Which dental floss is the right one?
This decision depends mainly on how close your teeth are to each other. If the gaps are very narrow, it is advantageous because it slides more easily between the teeth. In all other cases , it is the better choice because its fibers remove the particles better.
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Waxed dental floss: thin thread, coated with a wax film that ensures good gliding properties
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Unwaxed dental floss: ensures particularly thorough cleaning as it frays during use
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Special dental floss: is suitable for fixed dentures, among other things
There are also dental flosses with different flavors and fluoride coatings - so there is something for everyone. It is important to use the dental floss correctly, and ideally to do so daily.
When should you floss?
Should you use dental floss before or after brushing? It is difficult to give a clear answer. Whether you use dental floss correctly before or after brushing depends on your preference. Those who use it before brushing say that all loose plaque is removed during subsequent brushing. Those who use it after brushing say that all plaque that was not removed during previous brushing is removed. It is up to you which method is more comfortable for you. If you use dental floss correctly after brushing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards. You can also decide for yourself whether you use dental floss in the morning, at lunchtime or in the evening. It is important that the spaces between your teeth are cleaned at least once a day by using dental floss correctly. And this is how it works:
How to use dental floss correctly?
1. Wrap dental floss around your fingers
Take about 45-60 cm of dental floss and wrap the two ends around your index or middle finger. You can decide which is easier for you to use. A new section of dental floss should be used for each gap, otherwise bacteria can spread unintentionally.
2. Slide dental floss between your teeth
Gently slide the floss into the space between your teeth. Be careful not to force the floss in, as this could cause cuts and bleeding gums. If this is difficult in particularly narrow spaces between your teeth, it is better to move it gently downwards in a slight zigzag motion.
3. Brush between your teeth
Hold about 2.5 to 5 cm of dental floss between your fingers and move it carefully up and down. Since each gap is formed by two teeth, you should also clean the adjacent teeth with the right movement. To do this, wrap the dental floss around the tooth in a "C" shape and brush it with light movements. Repeat the same with the other tooth.
4. Rinse your mouth
Depending on when you floss, you should either brush your teeth afterwards or rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, a water flosser or mouthwash . This will remove all loosened plaque from your mouth.
Can you use dental floss incorrectly?
Yes - by using the same piece of dental floss several times or, for example, by moving it backwards and forwards instead of up and down. In these cases, the cleaning effect is not achieved because the bacteria spread rather than being removed. You should also be careful not to apply too much pressure to the gums and not to force the dental floss through narrow spots, as this can quickly lead to bleeding gums. To use dental floss correctly, make sure that it lies flat against the tooth in order to clean the "curves".
Our tip: If you have difficulty using dental floss, you can also use dental floss sticks or interdental sticks.
