Dental floss removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. Plaque is a sticky material containing germs that accumulates on teeth and can lead to gum disease (periodontal disease). The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth daily. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends flossing at least once a day, for 2-3 minutes. The best time of day to floss is right before going to bed.
A pre-threaded flosser or floss holder may be helpful for some people, including:
RESOURCES:
American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/
American Dental Hygenists' Association
http://www.adha.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
http://www.cdha.ca/
References
Proper flossing. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association website. Available at: http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/flossing.htmhttp. Accessed February 25, 2007.
Flossing. Academy of General Dentistry website. Available at: http://www.agd.org/consumer/topics/flossing/ . Accessed February 25, 2007.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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