Floss or die! :)

We all know that you should brush your teeth twice a day, however, did you know that a third of bacteria in the mouth is found between teeth? As these are the areas that people tend to forget to clean, this is the most common area for gum disease and dental decay to start.

It is now more important than ever before to clean in between teeth with recent research showing a strong link between dental plaque and heart disease. The bacteria in plaque can reach the bloodstream through bleeding gums and cause the blood to clot. This can potentially trigger a heart attack.

As well as brushing your teeth thoroughly morning and night, you also need to be cleaning in between your teeth at least once a day. This is done by using dental floss or inter-dental brushes.

Some people find flossing tricky. Watching yourself in the mirror will make it easier. As will using a good quality floss. We recommend Crest Glide or Oral-B Satin floss. The following flossing technique is recommended by our dentist and hygienists:

Take about 50 cm of floss and wrap it around the second finger of each hand leaving a small piece to work with. Using your thumb and index finger, pass the floss between the teeth holding it in a 'c' shape round the tooth. Gently move it up and down below the gum line to wipe off the plaque. Repeat this between each tooth using a fresh piece of floss by winding it on round your fingers.

For larger spaces between teeth, inter-dental brushes are even more effective. Please ask your dentist and hygienist what is best for you.