Why Bother To Floss?

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent degenerative conditions in this country, afflicting adults beginning in their late 20's. It is the disease that causes people to lose their teeth by slowly dissolving the supporting bone structure surrounding teeth. The most common symptoms of the disease are BAD BREATH and BLEEDING GUMS.

Flossing is a simple oral hygiene procedure that, when performed daily, can insure healthy gums and teeth that last a lifetime. Experts say it's as indispensable to a healthy mouth as brushing, yet most people find it uncomfortable and don't do it regularly.

Modern dentistry and dental products have begun to address the problem of plaque buildup which causes periodontal disease. New toothbrush designs, mouthwash and toothpaste formulations are being produced to specifically address the need for plaque reduction. Despite the boldly-advertised claims of these new products, a simple brushing and flossing regimen is the most effective way to reduce plaque and the problems it causes.

 

 

Flossing, The Right Way - Here's How

Take a piece of floss
(18 - 36 inches), and
wind it around the middle
finger of each hand.

Grasp floss firmly between
the thumb and index finger

arriving at the flossing positiontm.
Note that the fingers
are separated by about 1".

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From the flossing position you can:
Use the thumbs to guide the floss
between the upper teeth and

use the index fingers
to direct the floss between
the lower teeth.

 

Using a gentle sawing motion, guide the floss between your teeth. NEVER snap the floss into the gums.

Curve floss around the tooth.
Gently slide the floss up and down
the side of the tooth and under gumline.

ADVANCE floss, after cleaning each side of tooth, by wrapping the floss around the finger of one hand, and unwrapping it on the other.

Assume the flossing position,and continue to floss the side of each tooth until done.