What is the C-Shaped Flossing Technique?
For years, dentists have been asking us to floss daily for optimum dental health. Proper flossing gets rid of food particles stuck on our teeth. If you don’t remove them, these particles attract colonies of harmful bacteria called plaque. Over time, plaque buildup hardens into tartar and leads to inflammation, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Alarmingly, research shows that only one-third of Americans floss daily. This could be one reason why so many of us suffer from cavities. Read on to learn about the importance of flossing, the c-shaped flossing technique, and why c-shaped flossing is the most effective way to floss.
Why Must We Floss Daily?
Teeth have five sides to them. The top, which chews food, the side that faces the cheek, the side facing the tongue, and the front and back. Brushing helps to get rid of plaque and food particles from the top, front, and back of our teeth. But the areas between the teeth are difficult for bristles to adequately clean. Ford particles and plaque remain stuck which can cause tartar and dental caries if not removed daily.
This is where flossing comes in. A piece of floss can reach between the teeth to get rid of food and plaque stuck to the sides of the teeth. Proper flossing reduces the occurrences of harmful bacteria in the mouth as there isn’t any food for them to feed on. Flossing daily helps prevent plaque, tartar, and cavities. But to experience the full benefits of flossing it is important to use the recommended c-shaped flossing technique.
What is The C-Shaped Flossing Technique?
Many people become flossing converts once they learn of its benefits. Unfortunately, because they do it the wrong way they still end up with cavities. For instance, those that floss with picks miss the particles stuck in the curves of the tooth. Over time, this may lead to the accumulation of plaque, and eventually cavities. Such a result is a disappointing waste of time and effort for someone that may have a daily flossing habit.
So how can you floss properly? Most dentists recommend the c-shape flossing technique. This method requires the floss to be approximately the length of your forearm. Wrap the two ends of the string around both of your middle fingers, leaving enough string to wrap around a tooth in the shape of a c curve. Leave your thumb and forefingers free to control the floss.
Place the string between two of your teeth and then pull the strings on each side to form the shape of a C. Gently drag the floss up and down to clean one side of your tooth. Once done, pull the strings in the opposite direction to form an opposite C that can clean the next tooth. Repeat this until you have cleaned all your teeth, hence preventing tartar buildup.
Why C-Shape Flossing is The Correct Way to Floss
C-shape flossing is the correct flossing method because it gently removes plaque and food from the sides and corners of our teeth. Pick flosses are not ideal because they only clean between the teeth. Flossing straight down to the gum can also cause trauma to our gums and gum tissue. To prevent gum trauma, always remember to keep the flossing string away from your gum line.
Final Word on C-Shape Flossing Technique for Dental Providers
Dentists recommend that we brush and floss our teeth daily to prevent plaque, tartar, and caries. Additionally, we should visit a dentist at least twice a year to get our teeth professionally cleaned. There are also products we can add to our dental routine that can improve our dental health and keep dental caries at bay.
When it comes to flossing, the c-shape technique is the best way to do it. This method removes food and plaque from the sides and corners of our teeth, hence warding off caries. Remember to floss at least once a day, preferably at night, when you know you won’t eat anything else. For more information on how to decrease the risk of developing dental caries, check out the other resources on our page! [LINK TO BLOG PAGE]