The main benefits of flossing are the mechanical removal of food residuals and dental plaque bacteria from teeth and gums.
Use of dental floss should be an indispensable part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Although it is suggested -as for tooth brushing-
that you floss after each meal, using dental floss even only once a day could be enough to keep you in good oral health,
assuming of course that you do it thoroughly and effectively using proper flossing methods.
If you use dental floss only once per day, prefer flossing teeth at night before you go to bed.
Regarding the duration of flossing, the answer is simple : 'as long it takes' (depending on your dexterity and expertise on how to use dental floss).
It is normal to have some gum bleeding when flossing. Do not suspend flossing.
On the contrary, gum bleeding is a sign that your oral hygiene is not perfect and you should be more persistent in brushing and flossing teeth.
After flossing use disclosing tablets to check if dental plaque has been removed.
How to use DENTAL FLOSS - Dental Flossing techniques
Most people floss only once a day, and many even less often.
It is very important that you use the correct way to floss, in order to remove as much dental plaque as possible.
The recommended flossing methods are described here :
The correct way to floss
1. Break off about 45-50 cm of floss and wind most of it (~30 cm) around one of your middle fingers.
2. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand.
This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
3. Hold the floss
tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leaving ~3cm of floss between
your hands.
4. Guide the dental floss to the space between your teeth using a gentle rubbing
motion. Never snap the floss into the gums to avoid injuries.
5. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
6. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the
tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
7. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.
8. It is important that you wash your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing your teeth, so the debris you have loosened up is rinsed out of your mouth.
9. If the dental floss starts to get stuck in a spot where it didn't in the past, you should visit your dentist as it could be a sign of tooth decay.
You should also introduce your children to dental floss early so that they become accustomed to the correct way of flossing teeth.
Teaching dental patients about oral hygiene and correct way of brushing and flossing, is one of the main duties of a dental hygienist.
The dental hygienist is the dental professional that has to 'inspire' the passion for good daily oral hygiene, that will keep you away of dental problems.