Health Leader, Flossing Facts

Flossing Facts

Why Floss?

Dental floss cleans in between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath.

Floss is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the toothbrush. Many people don't spend enough time flossing or brushing, and many have never been taught to floss or brush properly. When visiting your dentist or hygienist, ask to be shown how to floss

Which type of floss should I use?

Wide floss, or dental tape, may be helpful for people with bridges.
Waxed floss might be easier to slide between tight teeth or tight restorations.
Unwaxed floss makes a squeaking sound to let you know your teeth are clean.
Bonded unwaxed floss does not fray as easily as regular unwaxed floss, but does tear more than waxed floss.

How should I floss?
There are two flossing methods: the spool method and the loop method. The spool method is suited for those with manual dexterity

Take an l8-inch piece of floss and wind the bulk of the floss lightly around the middle finger.
Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed.
Maneuver the floss between teeth with your index fingers and thumbs.
Don't pull it down hard against your gums or you will hurt them.
Don't rub it side to side as if you're shining shoes.
Bring the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth, being sure to go below the gum line.

The loop method is suited for children or adults with less nimble hands, poor muscular coordination, or arthritis.

Take an 18-inch piece of floss and make it into a circle.
Tie it securely with three knots.
Place all of the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop.
Use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line to form a "C" on the side of the tooth.

How often should I floss?

Floss once a day, minimum, for at least two or three minutes.

Do I need a waterpick (irrigating device)?

Don't use waterpicks as a substitute for tooth brushing and flossing. They are effective around orthodontic braces that retain food in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. They do not remove plaque and frequently recommended for persons with gum disease. Solutions containing antibacterial agents, available through a dentist's prescription, can be added to the reservoir.

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.