Since research shows that the electric flossers are as safe and effective as the standard floss, should you choose an electric flosser instead of one of the many types of standard floss? Many people can benefit from electric flossers, especially older adults who may have trouble manipulating floss with their fingers. Older children and teens may be more likely to use electric flossers than standard floss because they find them fun, especially if they like using electric toothbrushes.

How to Use Dental Floss - Oral-B How to Use Dental Floss - Oral-B

Adults can appreciate flavored floss, too. If you see students, clients or patients throughout the day with little time for oral care until you get home at night, a flavored floss may be just what you need after lunch. And if you don’t want the mint in your floss to clash with the mint in your toothpaste, keep mint-flavored floss in your desk for midday dental care and use an unflavored floss with your toothpaste of choice as part of your evening oral care routine. Braces or bridges?A spongy floss is a good option, but any floss can be used if you wear dental appliances, especially if you have a floss threader. Just remember that when it comes to dental floss, flossing every day is the most important choice you and your family can make.Wind: Wind 18 inches of floss around either the middle finger or the index finger of one hand, whichever you prefer, and a small amount onto the middle or index finger of the other hand. (Using the middle finger leaves your index finger free to manipulate the floss.) That sounds like a lot, but you want enough to keep a clean segment in place as you move from tooth to tooth. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one- to two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth. Gently slide floss between teeth and under the gumline. Use an up-and-down motion to remove plaque and debris. Many people keep standard floss on hand for traveling, and use an electric flosser at home. If your spouse prefers, say, mint-flavored un-waxed floss while you prefer a coated dental tape, you can’t go wrong by keeping some basic floss on hand that everyone can use. Unwaxed flossis thin nylon floss made of about 35 strands twisted together. It fits into tight spaces if your teeth are close together, but it can be prone to shredding or breaking.

Floss | Oral-B Floss | Oral-B

Polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE)is the same material used in high-tech Gore-Tex fabric. The material slides between the teeth easily and is less likely to shred compared to standard floss. Oral-B iO can help remove more plaque from your gum line and in-between teeth as the round brush head and micro-vibrating bristles surround each tooth for a more thorough clean. The types of flosses mentioned above may also be flavored.If your children aren’t enthusiastic about flossing, remind them that floss with a mint flavor can not only enhance their smiles by removing potentially embarrassing food pieces, but it can also help promote fresh breath, which might get them motivated to do their flossing before school. Super flossesare made from yarn-like material that has stiffer sections on each end that can be used to clean around braces or dental bridges.No matter what style of floss you choose, be sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA is a professional association of dentists in the United States that is committed to oral health, ethical dental practice and scientific progress. Gum disease begins at the gum line and between teeth. Daily flossing is an important part of your oral health care routine to help remove the plaque from these areas where a toothbrush doesn’t completely reach. But to truly reap the benefits, you need to use proper flossing technique. Everyone deserves to benefit from flossing. But not everyone can floss their teeth easily. Some examples include young children who are just learning to floss, older adults who may have arthritic hands and limited finger flexibility, and anyone who doesn't like putting their fingers into their mouths. But even if you are in one of these categories, you can still enjoy the benefits of flossing by using a floss holder, which is a handle with a curved end designed to hold a piece of floss. Waxed flossis a standard nylon floss with a light wax coating. It is less likely to break, but the wax coating may make it harder to use in tight spots.

Oral-B Essential Dental Floss Mint 50M | Toiletries | Superdrug

The choices for a product as basic as dental floss can seem overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with a choice of floss as long as you use it every day. If you're uncertain about which type of floss is best for you or a member of your family, askyourdental professionalfor advice. Here are some points that might be helpful:

If you use a hand-held flosser, the flossing technique is similar. Hold the flosser handle firmly and point the flossing tip at an angle facing the area you want to floss first (either top teeth or bottom teeth). Guide the floss gently between two teeth, and be sure to avoid snapping or popping the floss. Use the same zig-zag motion that you would use with standard floss. Bend the floss around each tooth and slide it under the gum line and along each tooth surface. Dental tapeis broader and flatter than standard floss and comes in waxed or unwaxed versions. People with more space between their teeth often find dental tape more comfortable to use than standard floss.