Why is flossing so important
Most people don't use dental floss or use it very rarely and very reluctantly because they feel this tool is rather unnecessary. They think that brushing their teeth with a toothbrush alone gives them a clean feeling in their mouth and that this is enough. They have the feeling that the leftovers can be removed thoroughly enough with the toothbrush and do not see the need to use dental floss as well. Unfortunately, what most people don't know is that 30% of the tooth surface is in the interdental spaces. Unfortunately, the toothbrush does not reach this narrow space or only insufficiently. Most germs remain there undisturbed, can multiply undisturbed and cause inflammation of the gums, caries and, in the long run, periodontal disease. Regular use of dental floss is the only way to efficiently clean the spaces between the teeth and thus counteract the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
How often and when should dental floss be used?
Usually it is sufficient if you use the dental floss once a day. The evening is usually the best opportunity for this because then you have the most time and the gums and teeth can then recover over the night. A common question is whether dental floss should be used before or after the toothbrush. The answer is very debatable, but basically the most important thing is to ideally floss once a day. I usually recommend first moistening your teeth with some toothpaste and then using dental floss. In this way, the toothpaste can get better into the interdental spaces. After rinsing your mouth, I recommend cleaning your teeth thoroughly and thoroughly with a toothbrush. So you can be sure that no leftovers will stick in your mouth.
Do you have questions? Then write to me!
I am happy to answer your questions.
Yours, Lorenza Dahm
dear Mrs. Schneider
In my blog I wrote that there are different opinions about using dental floss: before or after brushing your teeth. Personally, I think it's better to floss with some toothpaste before brushing your teeth. After cleaning, the mouth should be rinsed (here I don't mean it with a rinsing solution but only with water to remove the food residues that have been loosened from the gaps with the dental floss). The reason for this is that if the gaps are clean, then the fluoride can get there better during tooth cleaning and unfold its effect. If desired, the mouth should be rinsed with fluoride water only after the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned.
I hope this clears up your confusion.
Best Regards
dr Lorenza Dahm
Ladies and gentlemen. The lady from Profylaxe always told me to brush your teeth first and then floss. Is that correct? You also write in your article that you should rinse your mouth before brushing your teeth
should, but the mouthwash should be taken at the very end, since you shouldn't usually rinse it out. So what was that meant?
I would dread an answer.
With kind regards,