faq

WHAT IS RIGHT WAY TO FLOSS

DENTAL FLOSS
	Dental floss is the most widely recommended tool for removing plaque from proximal tooth surfaces
	Floss is available as a multifilament nylon yarn that is twisted or non-twisted bonded or non-bonded waxed or unwaxed thick or thin
	A variety of individual factors determine the choice of dental floss, such as The tightness of tooth contacts roughness of proximal surfaces, and patient's manual dexterity not the superiority of any one product.
	Clinical research so far has not been able to show any significant differences in the ability of the various types of floss to remove dental plaque.
	THEY ALL WORK EQUALLY WELL
	In the past, waxed dental floss was thought to leave a waxy film on proximal surfaces, thus contributing to plaque accumulation and gingivitis.
	It has been shown however that wax is not deposited on tooth surfaces and that improvement in gingival health is unrelated to the type of floss used.
	Therefore recommendations about type of floss should be based on ease of use, and personal preference
Waxed and Unwaxed Floss :--
	The waxed flosses are generally easier to hold and slide readily between tight contacts even when they appear to be of heavier weight.
	Unwaxed dental floss is better than waxed because
1.	It is small in diameter and passes more easily through tight interproximal contacts.
2.	Under tension it flattens out on the tooth surface with each component thread adding separately as a cutting edge to dislodge debris.
3.	Unwaxed floss makes a squeaking noise when used on a clean tooth surface, and this noise can be used to monitor performance
Bonded and Non bonded Floss :--
	Bonding prevents the fibres from spreading apart when used on a tooth surface
	The fibres may or may not have a waxed coating.
Technique :--
	The floss must contact the proximal surface from line angle to line angle to clean effectively.
	It must also clean the entire proximal surface, not just be slipped apical to the contact area.
1.	start with a piece of floss long enough to grasp securely; 12 to 18 inches is usually sufficient.
2.	It may be wrapped around the fingers, or the ends may be tied together in a loop.
3.	Strech the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger or between both forefingers, and pass it gently through each contact area with a firm back-and-forth motion.

4.	Do not snap the floss past the contact area, because this may injure the interdental gingiva.
	In fact, zealous snapping of floss through contact areas creates proximal grooves in the gingiva.
5.	Once the floss is apical to the contact area between the teeth, wrap the floss around the proximal surface of one tooth, and slip it under the marginal gingiva.

	Move the floss firmly along the tooth up to the contact area and gently down into the sulcus again, repeating this up and down stroke several times.
6.	Then move the floss across the interdental gingiva and repeat the procedure on the proximal surface of the adjacent tooth.
7.	Continue through the whole dentition, including the distal surface of the last tooth in each quadrant.
	When the working portion of the floss becomes soiled or begins to shred, move to a fresh portion of floss.
Floss Holders :--

	Flossing can be made easier by using a floss holder.
	Although use of such devices can be more time consuming than finger flossing, they are helpful for patients lacking manual dexterity and for nursing personnel assisting handicapped and hospitalized patients in cleaning their teeth.
	A floss holder should possess these features :-- one or two forks that are rigid enough to keep the floss taut when penetrating into tight contact areas, and an effective and simple mounting mechanism to hold the floss firmly in place.
Disadvantages :--
	The disadvantage of floss tools is that they must be rethreaded whenever the floss becomes soiled or begins to shred.
Types of floss holders :-- Reusable floss holders Disposable floss holders Powered flossing devices
	Disposable , single-use floss holders with prethreaded floss are available and may be useful for some patients.
	Short-term clinical evidence suggests that plaque reduction and improvement in gingivitis scores are similar for individuals instructed in the use of disposable floss devices when compared with scores for those instructed in finger flossing.

Powered flossing devices are also available. These devices have a single bristle that moves in a circular motion.
The powered flossing device can be easier to use than hand-held floss.
The tip is inserted into the proximal space, and a bristle or wand comes out of the tip and moves in a circular motion when the device is turned on.
The bristle mechanically removes the plaque.
The devices have been shown to be safe and effective but no better at plaque removal than finger flossing.

Functions of Dental Floss :--
1.	Removal of adherent plaque and food debris from the interproximal embrasure and under the pontics of the fixed partial denture.
2.	Polishing of the tooth surface during removal of the plaque and debris
3.	Stimulating and massaging the interdental papillae.
4.	Helping in locating the following Subgingival calculus depositis Overhanging margins of the restorations Proximal carious lesions
5.	Improving oral hygiene
6.	Reducing gingival bleeding
7.	Vehicle for application of polishing or therapeutic agents to interproximal and subgingival area. For this purpose tapes are better than floss. Before the advent of nylon, dental floss and tape were made of silk.
Habit of Flossing :--
	The establishment of a lifelong habit of flossing the teeth is difficult to achieve for both patients and dentists, regardless of whether one uses a tool or flosses with the fingers
	In fact, the daily use of floss is universally low.
	It was recently reported that only about 8% of 12 to 16 year olds in Great Britain floss daily, a number similar to other countries.