Oral hygiene is the be-all and end-all. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding the topic and cause confusion. Time to get a handle on things.
Cross your heart! How many of you use dental floss regularly? Because it is a good thing to neglect this step, brushing the interdental spaces is very important. To find out what really matters when using dental floss, we have the expert from Panasonic, Dr. Costin Marinescu, confronted with three myths – which he is now finally eliminating.
1. You don't need dental floss if you have properly brushed your teeth beforehand!
Use floss? Phew, another step in the evening care routine when you just want to fall into bed. Does it have to be that way?
In my 30 years as a dentist, I have never met anyone who brushes their teeth so effectively that they do not need to floss again. If you use dental floss and interproximal brushes correctly, you will always discover residues, even after intensive cleaning.
Means: Yes, dental floss is essential. In fact, according to Dr. Costin Marinescu, one of the most common oral hygiene mistakes, does without dental floss or interdental brushes.
2. Dental floss is better than interdental brushes. Or the other way around?
Dental floss or interdental brushes – which tool is more suitable? To be honest: both! "Many people believe that it is enough to floss the interdental spaces. This is ideal for the front teeth, when caring for the back teeth, but interproximal brushes are the means of choice", reveals Dr. Costin Marinescu.
The interdental brushes come in many sizes. To find the right one, Dr. advises To have Costin Marinescu, the interdental spaces and the tooth pockets measured by the dentist. This is the best way to determine the perfect size of the mini brush.
3. If my gums bleed, floss is not for me
If your gums bleed, many people think that flossing does more harm than help. But no worry! "If your gums bleed when you use the floss, it means that your immune system is already actively fighting bacteria that are deposited in the interdental spaces," explains Dr. Costin Marinescu, "In this case do not stop fins (to floss = English for 'flossing', note of the editor)! The bleeding gums will give up after a few days, because then you removed a large part of the bacteria . "
And what if the bleeding doesn't go away after a few days? "If the bleeding does not stop after a few days and continuous use of dental floss, you should see your dentist to clarify whether you are using the wrong products or the wrong technique," advises Dr. Costin Marinescu.
So now there are really no excuses for not flossing. And that will make your smile all the more radiant – I promise!