Dental Floss Is A Crucial Tool In Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Dental Floss |
Dental Floss is a thin, nylon or silk thread that
is used to remove food particles and plaque from the teeth and gum line. It is
an essential tool in maintaining good oral hygiene, as it can reach areas that
a toothbrush cannot.
The use of dental floss dates back to ancient times, where
people used fibers such as horsehair and silk to clean between their teeth. In
the 1800s, floss made from silk became widely available, and in the 1940s,
nylon replaced silk as the primary material for dental floss.
Dental
Floss comes in various forms, including
waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored, and in different thicknesses. Waxed
floss is coated with a thin layer of wax, which makes it easier to slide
between teeth, especially if they are close together. Unwaxed floss is thinner
and does not have a coating, making it more suitable for teeth that are spaced
further apart. Flavored floss comes in a range of flavors, including mint,
cinnamon, and even bacon, to make flossing more enjoyable.
The benefits of using Dental Floss are numerous. Flossing can remove
plaque and bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line, where a
toothbrush cannot reach. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on
teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left unchecked. Flossing
can also help prevent bad breath, as it removes food particles and bacteria
that can cause odors.
Periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth,
forming gaps (pockets) that can get infected. If such an infection is not
treated, it can result in increased periodontal pocket length and probing
bleeding, which can lead to alveolar bone loss and tooth loss. Several
antimicrobial treatments are available to supplement non-surgical periodontitis
therapy, including metronidazole, chlorhexidine, minocycline, doxycycline, and
tetracycline, which can be given locally to the mucosa.
To use dental floss, start by breaking off a piece of floss
about 18 inches long. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers,
leaving about 1-2 inches of floss in between. Gently slide the floss between
your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to snap the floss
against your gums, as this can cause bleeding and irritation. Once you have flossed
between all of your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to remove any loosened
particles.
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