What Is Flossing?

Series Summary

Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. Dental floss is made from either a bundle of nylon filaments or plastic ribbon and is inserted between the teeth and scraped along the sides in order to remove food debris and dental plaque from the teeth. When used in combination with toothbrushing, flossing has been proven to prevent gum disease, halitosis and cavities. While many people do not floss, the consequences can range from annoying to extremely painful. Allowing food debris and bacteria to gather along the gums can lead to many unpleasant things, including permanent gum damage.

In this free video series, our expert will teach you about the benefits of flossing and how to floss. You will get tips on different types of dental floss, how to prepare to floss and what areas to pay special attention to when you floss. You will also learn about the effects of flossing and not flossing and what to do if you can't floss. Get tips on using flossing alternatives, such as inter-dental devices, tooth pick tools and oral irrigators. If you aren't already flossing and want to start, or if you want to make sure you are flossing properly, let our expert show you everything you need to know about oral hygiene.

Video Transcript

"Hi, we'll be talking about flossing in today's segment. Think of flossing as a massage for your gum tissue; a way of revitalizing your tissue so it becomes healthy and actually a necessary part of your daily care. Did you know that flossing can actually add ten years onto your life? The reason for this is because of how healthy your gum tissues can be. It's actually a means of disrupting bacteria that tends to collect in the mouth, in areas that are difficult to reach and in all the little nooks and crannies that are there. So today I'd like to introduce various methods of flossing and floss alternatives. We're all familiar with the basic flosses although today there are so many different flosses available that we really have choices that we need to make and that basically will go by your preferences and which work best for you. But today I'd also like to introduce different ways of using that floss such as in floss holders, various different adjuncts that are out there. Through flossing threaders and that's handy for people who have crown and bridge work or braces, difficult to get between teeth. And also difference adjuncts such as toothpicks and specialty brushes that actually get in between teeth. And these all work very effectively, of course that depends on finding the product that is best and right for you and for your needs. And also various brushes and inter-dental stimulators. These often come in different sizes so it's important to know and experiment with different sizes and brands, actually"