Dental Flossing After Meal - Step by Step Guide

 

What is dental flossing?

Dental flossing is a crucial aspect of oral hygiene. It is the process of removing food particles and plaque ( a sticky film that builds up on teeth and contributes to cavities and gum disease) from areas between teeth that a toothbrush can't reach.

Many people overlook the importance of flossing, especially after meals, not realizing that different types of food can affect dental health in various ways.Of course, flossing alone isn’t enough. Dentists recommend that it's important to floss correctly according to the type of food consumed. If you are going to floss only once a day, it's best to do it at night just before going to sleep. This article provides step-by-step proper flossing techniques to remove each type of food to help enhance your oral hygiene routine, prevent dental issues, and maintain a healthy, bright smile.

Types of Dental Floss

Certain foods are more likely to get stuck between your teeth, and knowing how to floss teeth to remove tooth decay and gum disease effectively by choosing the suitable types of dental floss, good or bad, can make flossing more efficient:

Unwaxed Floss: Made of thin nylon, it is ideal for people with tight spaces between their teeth. However, it is prone to shredding.

Waxed Floss: Coated with a thin layer of wax, making it easier to slide between teeth and less likely to shred. It is thicker than unwaxed floss.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Floss: Made from the same material as high-tech Gore-Tex fabric, it slides easily between teeth and is shred-resistant.

Dental Tape: Wider and flatter than regular floss, it suits people with wider gaps between their teeth and helps remove food stuck under the gum line.

Super Floss: A combination of regular floss, spongy floss, and a stiffened end, making it perfect for cleaning around braces, bridges, and gaps.

Electrical water floss: Water flossers are rechargeable devices that spray a stream of water to remove food from between your teeth. They are better than dental floss, picks, and floss threaders for proper dental cleaning.

Different Types of Food and How to Floss Them Out Easily: Step-by-step

Sticky Foods (e.g., caramel, dried fruit ) 

The right way to stop food from sticking in teeth is to Wax or PTFE floss, which can help navigate the sticky residue. Gently work the floss between your teeth and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, sliding up and down to remove the debris.

Fibrous Foods

Fibrous foods such as meat and some vegetables get caught in tight spaces. Dental tape super floss or a dental floss thread. Swishing water around your mouth vigorously can sometimes help dislodge.

Seed and grains: 

If food is stuck between your teeth for a prolonged time, flossing at home doesn't work. It's best to visit a dentist. A dentist can safely and effectively remove the stuck food particles and ensure no underlying issues.

• Take about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Your middle finger will pick up the floss as it becomes dirty.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss to work. 
• Tie a knot in your floss.
• Brush your teeth
• Once the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it up and down against the side of the tooth and under the gum line in motion.
• After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Dental flosses are non-reusable, so use one at a time. 

How often Should you floss and why?

Floss twice daily or brush once in the morning and floss at night. A reminder: Flossing too hard might damage the tissue(gum line) between your teeth. At the same time, being too gentle might leave food or plaque behind. 

Yes, it would help if you floss every day. The oral health benefits of flossing are numerous.

1. Flossing removes plaque
2. Reduces the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
3. Prevents tooth decay
4. Eliminates Bacteria causing bad breathe

Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, leading to a risk of tooth decay, which can only be removed by consulting the best dental clinic near you . Additionally, Food particles and bacteria trapped between teeth can cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene is linked to overall oral care. Dental Flossing reduces the risk of health issues like heart disease and diabetes by preventing oral infections and inflammation. It is recommendable to take advice on diagnosis or treatment.