It’s more than just food debris – floss properly

It’s not just about leftovers

Now researchers at Tufts University in the United States have explained how to use dental floss correctly in three simple steps. And it works exactly as intended, in their offerings StadyWhich was published in the Dental Health Journal.

“Flossing is not just about removing food debris,” explains David Passali, the periodontist who led the study.

This involves removing the special layer – or microfilm – that harmful bacteria form on your teeth to protect themselves. The toothbrush cleans all surfaces except those in the spaces between the teeth. This is where flossing comes into the picture.

Harmful bacteria must be removed

We have both beneficial and harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, and we must fight harmful bacteria. Because if it enters the bloodstream, it can cause infections in different parts of the body, including the brain and heart.

Researchers link these inflammatory conditions to an increased risk of cancer and diabetes.

To demonstrate the effect of proper flossing technique, researchers at Tufts University selected 36 people who all started bleeding from their gums, one of the early signs of gingivitis.

Half of the subjects were instructed on the correct use of dental floss. They will use a recognized method called the “Adapted Horizontal Vertical Threading Technique” or AHVFT.

The other group will simply floss as they are accustomed to.

70 percent less bleeding

The two groups met four times during the eight weeks that the study was in progress, and the researchers were able to see a clear difference. Up to 88 percent of people in the AHVFT group learned to master this technique and saw 70 percent less bleeding gums using the new method of tooth brushing.

In comparison, gum bleeding was reduced by only 30% in the group that did not use this technology. It is completely normal for your gums to bleed if you start flossing after a long break, but with proper flossing there should be an improvement.

AHVFT simply has these three elements:

1) Take an approximately 32 cm long piece of unused dental floss. Wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand, leaving about 12 cm of loose floss between the hands.
2) Hold the thread between the thumb and index finger of the right and left hand respectively.
3) Gently press the floss between the teeth without damaging the gums. Then press the floss against the tooth and move it up and down several times. Repeat on the other tooth. The operation must be performed in all spaces between the teeth.