Brushing is not enough, the wrong dental floss is also very dangerous! How to choose the right one?

Brushing your teeth alone won’t clean every nook and cranny. Your teeth have five surfaces, and brushing only cleans three of them. When you skip flossing , you’re not cleaning 40 percent of the surfaces of your teeth , which can cause plaque and bacteria to build up between your teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease, so flossing is a must.

There are two methods of using dental floss. The first method is the spool method, where you wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers and guide it with your thumbs and index fingers. This is key to preventing bacterial cross-contamination. The other method is the loop method, where you tie the floss in a circle.

Both methods are effective and the choice comes down to preference and comfort. The spool method is often considered easier for children or those with limited dexterity as it provides more control over the floss and does not require constant adjustments.

Depending on the spacing of your teeth, you may find that some types of floss work better than others. People with crowded teeth may find that thinner floss is more effective at loosening particles . People with larger gaps or spaces between their teeth may want to try thicker floss or interproximal floss devices.

Mini floss brushes are also suitable for patients with braces, wide gaps, and other orthodontic or dental devices, as they are designed to clean areas that traditional toothbrushes cannot reach effectively.