Better Smileage
The Dental Floss ophy (used with the permission of the Massachusetts Dental Society)
The Dental Floss ophy is all about teaching you how important it is to floss your teeth every day!
So why is flossing so important? Let's start with the plaque problem.
Certain types of bacteria, found in some of the foods that you eat, can stick to the enamel that covers your teeth. These bacteria can then grow into white film called plaque. (You know, that sticky stuff that's in your mouth when you wake up in the morning.) If plaque is not removed from your teeth, cavities could start. And who wants cavities?
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps get rid of some of this plaque because your toothbrush is great at cleaning the tops, sides, and front and back of your teeth. But did you know that brushing alone is still not enough to keep your teeth healthy? You see, not only is plaque found around your teeth, but it also gets in between your teeth—in places where your toothbrush can't reach.
So how do you get rid of that hard to reach plaque? FLOSSING .
When should parents begin to floss their baby's teeth?
Flossing begins at a very early age—when any two teeth in your mouth touch.
How do you floss your teeth?
Learning to floss your teeth takes time and patience. If you're just beginning to floss your teeth, be sure your mom or dad or another adult is there to help you.
Flossing is done in three easy steps:
- First, begin with about 18 inches of floss and wind the floss tightly around both index fingers (second fingers). Now, using your index finger and thumbs, gently use a back and forth motion to glide the floss between the teeth.
- Next, curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel some resistance. Now, gently bring the floss up against the side of the tooth. Be careful not to floss too hard.
- Repeat this between each tooth. And don't forget to floss the teeth that are in the back of your mouth, too!
With practice, by the time you're eight years old, you should be able to floss without help from an adult.
If you have braces, carefully pull the waxed floss between wire and teeth and floss carefully around each tooth using the above steps.
How often should I floss?
It's important to floss at least once a day and take your time to be sure you've flossed in between every tooth.
What about using toothpicks?
While toothpicks can help remove food stuck between your teeth, they don't actually remove plaque around your teeth as well as floss does.
What types of floss are available?
There are all different kinds of floss available: waxed and unwaxed floss, flavored and unflavored floss, and wide and regular floss. Your parents and dentist will know which floss is best for you to use.
So, let's see how much you've learned about flossing. Take this True or False quiz.
- If I brush my teeth after every meal, I don't need to floss my teeth, too.
- A toothpick works just as well as floss.
- It's important that I only floss my front teeth.
- Flossing is important because it helps to get rid of plaque that my toothbrush can't reach.
- I will follow the Dental Floss ophy and floss my teeth every day!
Answers:
- False. Brushing alone is not enough. It's important to floss every day.
- False. Toothpicks do not remove plaque around your teeth as well as floss does.
- False. It's important to floss ALL your teeth.
- True. Flossing every day will help you get rid of plaque in between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't always reach.
- True. Flossing every day will help my smile last a lifetime.
Just remember, the Dental Floss ophy is all about good dental habits. So remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, visit your dentist regularly for checkups, AND remember to floss your teeth once a day, too .
By taking a course in Floss ophy, you'll be sure to pass every oral exam!
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