Over 90 percent Poles are affected by caries. It is caused by bacteria that convert food debris into acids, and these weaken the enamel leading to cavities. The spaces between the teeth are particularly vulnerable, where it is difficult to remove plaque with a brush. This can only be done with dental floss. But as the statistics show - Poles do not thread their teeth!
Brushingteethafter a delicious meal and we think thatcariesis not a threat to you. Meanwhile,acid-forming bacterialurk in the spaces between the teeth, producing a sticky coating calledplaquealready 10 minutes after eating. It includes, among others microorganisms, exfoliated epithelial cells, saliva components and food debris. Such a medium, in combination with bacteria, lowers the pH in the mouth, which in turn demineralises the enamel. But these are not the only ailments caused by unremoved plaque - there is also gingivitis and the formation of tartar, which is also destructive to teeth.
Dental floss - you can see if you are using them or not
The only way to remove these interdental plaque is by flossing. - During the check-up visit, the dentist sees whether the teeth are regularly flossed or not. When we do not floss our teeth, it is very common to form discoloration or cavities where they touch. Sometimes there is limescale in the gaps and the gums are red. All this has a negative impact on the he alth of the entire oral cavity - warns Mariusz Duda, MD, President of the Polish Implantology Association, owner of Duda Clinic. As the dentist adds, in Poland the habit of brushing teeth with a thread is not as popular as, for example, in the USA or Great Britain.
How many patients who do not use floss regularly, so many excuses. - Most often I hear that they do not know how to do it, what threads to choose. Some admit that they don't have time to floss their teeth. There are those who say that the thread does not fit between their teeth. Still others say that threads are used to remove food debris, just like toothpicks, and they do not accumulate food between their teeth - lists Dr. Duda and adds that the main task of the thread is to remove bacteria and plaque.
Longer life thanksthread
Using dental floss, we can … extend your life by up to 6 years - research shows. How it's possible? By using dental floss, we will reach all the nooks and crannies of our teeth. This will allow for the thorough removal of bacteria, which are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. In turn, research by Harvard scientists has proven that gum disease contributes to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. - Most periodontal diseases are caused by bacteria contained in dental plaque. However, using dental floss, we thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria, and this minimizes gum disease - explains Dr. Mariusz Duda.
One minute a day - he alth for years
Although dentists recommend that you spend 3-5 minutes flossing your teeth, even a minute of this treatment will be beneficial for your he alth. In addition to the diseases mentioned above, flossing protects against periodontitis and, consequently, tooth loss. So let's do this before brushing your teeth. And despite the fact that it is not a complicated procedure, many Poles do not know how to perform it. - It's not really that hard. It is enough to tear off a 40-50 cm piece of dental floss and wrap it between the index fingers of both hands. We should leave a few centimeters of gap between the fingers. Now we slip the thread between the fingers between the teeth and move it back and forth from the gum to the edge of the tooth. For the next teeth, we should use a fresh piece of thread. It is enough to wind the used piece on the finger of one hand and at the same time unwind the same amount of thread from the other hand - explains Dr. Mariusz Duda.
Dental floss - which one should you choose?
There are usually several types of floss on store shelves. They differ in their material, taste and thickness. The most important thing is that the threads should easily fit between the teeth. We can choose ordinary, waxed threads, there are also threads with fluoride. Here we should rely on our own liking. The most important thing is to use the thread every day, not on holidays. - Teeth threading should become our habit, just like turning off the light before falling asleep - sums up Dr. Duda. The doctor admits that initially we may feel slight discomfort and pain, as well as bleeding from the gums, but after a few days, they should stop.