Instructions on how to use dental floss

Flossing will help clean teeth that toothbrushes cannot brush, as well as help prevent the risk of gum damage by using a toothbrush. That's why dentists recommend that people should floss at least once a day.

However, according to Dr. Carlos Meulener , a reputable dentist in New Jersey, USA, most of us have used dental floss for many years. Mr. Meulener has just published a video tutorial on the most simple and " dental " interstitial cleaning technique so that we can be confident with a bright smile.

According to Dr. Meulener, we first need a dental floss about 45cm long and roll it into the index fingers, but not too tight to avoid pain.

"The reason why most people have a problem with dental floss is that they try to put too much thread inside their mouths. The only way to control it is to use the thumbs for the upper teeth and The middle fingers for the lower teeth, leaving only a moderate amount between these fingers so you can control them easily from one side to the other, " Mr. Meulener said.

American dentist notes, when cleaning interstitial teeth, we need to place the thumbs at about 2.5cm apart, then put the dental floss into the teeth, make up and down the teeth, instead of making "saw" movements from side to side. In it, a thumb should hold still, while the other thumb is shifted up and down to form a motion to remove bacteria from the teeth.

Similarly for the lower teeth, a middle finger should hold still, while the other middle finger moves up and down between the teeth.

Picture 1 of Instructions on how to use dental floss
The control is just to use the thumb for the upper teeth and middle fingers for the lower teeth.

When you are proficient, the whole process takes only 1 minute, but will make a big difference to your oral health.

Studies have shown that dental interdental cleaning can prevent the buildup of plaque causing irritation and gingivitis, as food spreads into the interstitial teeth. Gum disease causes miserable pain with bad breath, bleeding gums and if left untreated, it will lead to holes in the teeth, receding gums, showing root and tooth decay.

Statistics show that 15 - 20% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 in the world suffer from serious gum disease.