By the way, doctor… - use of dental floss - Brief Article

Harvard Health Letter, March, 1997

Q I've been using the same kind of dental floss for years. Are the newer ones better for my teeth?

A "There's no universal recommendation for floss; you should use what works best for you," says David Wolf, director of clinical affairs at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. People with tight spaces between their teeth will need floss that is thin or waxed. Those with larger spaces should use tape or double-width floss.

In the end, however, it's not the floss but the action that counts. "The main thing is to make sure you're stimulating the gums and cleaning out the debris," says Dr. Wolf. Always guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion; never snap it into the gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth, then gently rub with an up-and-down motion -- never a sawing one, which can injure the gums. Flossing once a day is enough for most people, but those who collect food between their teeth easily should floss more often.

Flossing is the best way to prevent periodontal (gum) disease, the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Three out of four people over 35 have some form of gum disease; the early stage, called gingivitis, is reversible with daily flossing and brushing. Its signs are red, swollen gums that bleed easily.

Water picks are not as effective as floss and should not be used as a substitute. Floss does a better job of stimulating the gums and removing any debris beneath them.