Dental floss

Dental floss is a thin cord made of filaments used for interdental cleaning. These filaments are typically made of silk or nylon. The primary goal of flossing is to remove food particles and dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that adheres to the surfaces of the teeth. While toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning, they often cannot reach the tight spaces between teeth. Flossing allows a person to clean those areas and the spaces below the gumline.

Regular use of floss is intended to maintain oral health and prevent gingivitis. The American Dental Association claims that flossing can remove up to 80% of plaque. It may also be especially helpful for people using orthodontic devices.

The process of flossing follows a specific sequence to ensure effectiveness. First, a user pulls a length of floss from a plastic dispenser. They then use a small blade on the dispenser to cut the piece. The user can hold the floss between their fingers or use a specialized tool.

The floss is guided gently between each pair of teeth. To clean properly, the user should curve the floss into a 'C' shape against the side of the tooth. This allows the floss to slide under the gumline. This action dislodges food and plaque that hide in those narrow gaps. Doing this once per day helps fluoride from toothpaste reach between the teeth.

There are several different types of floss available for various needs. Some versions are waxed, while others are unwaxed. Waxed floss is often coated in materials like polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE. This coating helps the floss slide more easily and prevents it from fraying. Some waxed varieties even contain antibacterial agents or sodium fluoride. Unwaxed floss consists of multifilaments and may be less expensive. Another type is dental tape, which is wider and flatter than conventional floss. Dental tape is often recommended for individuals with a larger tooth surface area.

History shows how flossing has evolved over many years. Levi Spear Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans, is credited with inventing the first form of dental floss. In 1819, he recommended using waxed silk thread to clean the spaces between teeth. He believed this was the most important part of oral care. However, floss was not sold commercially until 1882. In 1898, the Johnson & Johnson Corporation received a patent for silk floss. This material was the same silk used by doctors for surgical stitches. During World War II, physician Charles C. Bass developed nylon floss. Nylon was better than silk because it resists abrasion and can be produced in many sizes.

Selecting the right tool often depends on the anatomy of a person's mouth. Dental professionals look at the embrasure space to make recommendations. The embrasure space is the triangular area located just below the contact point of two teeth.

There are three distinct classes of these spaces based on the gums. In a Type I embrasure, the gums fill the space completely. In a Type II embrasure, the gums fill the space only partially. In a Type III embrasure, the gums do not fill the space at all. The size and shape of these spaces help determine which cleaning aid is best.

Different tools are used depending on the specific dental situation. For example, a floss threader is a nylon loop that looks like a needle.

It is used to pull floss through spaces under orthodontic appliances or dental bridges. Some people prefer floss picks, which are specialized plastic wands. While wands can make reaching back teeth easier, they may make it harder to reach certain angles. There are also powered flossers that use mechanical power to clean.

These may be helpful for individuals who find traditional string floss difficult to use.

Scientific studies regarding the clinical benefits of flossing show varying results. A 2006 review found that professionals flossing the teeth of schoolchildren resulted in a 40% reduction in tooth decay risk. However, other reviews have suggested that the evidence for flossing as an addition to brushing is limited. A 2011 review noted some evidence that flossing reduces gingivitis compared to brushing alone. Yet, the evidence regarding plaque reduction was described as weak or unreliable. Because of this, many dental professionals recommend flossing on an individual basis rather than as a universal rule. The effectiveness of flossing often depends on an individual's technique and motivation.