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If you have never flossed before, try
Oral-B® UltraFloss®.
It helps you start flossing the right way with
pre-measured strands and special fibers that
stretch thin to fit between teeth but spring
back to clean away plaque.
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nterlocking network
of stretchy nylon fibers changes shape to fit
your teeth perfectly
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Stretches thin to
fit in between your teeth, then expands to
fill gaps
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Pre-measured in 18"
strands, so you know exactly how much to use
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Available in regular
or mint flavor
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How should I floss?
Step 1:
Take about 18 inches (50cm) of
floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger
(wrapping more around one finger than the other) leaving 2
inches (5cm) of floss in between. |
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Step 2:
With your thumbs and index
fingers holding the floss taut, gently slide it down between
your teeth, while being careful not to snap it down on your
gums. |
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Step 3:
Curve the floss around each
tooth in a "C" shape and gently move it up and down the sides
of each tooth, including under the gumline. Unroll a new
section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. |
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How long does it take for
flossing to start paying off?
The fact is,
flossing provides unmistakable benefits that start from day one.
After flossing, your teeth and gums feel cleaner because the floss
reaches areas your toothbrush can't. Your breath will be fresher,
and the health of your gums will improve. So, if your dental floss
is gathering dust on the bathroom shelf, why not pick it up and try
again? Even if it feels awkward at first, keep practicing. Pretty
soon, you'll feel the difference and find that it becomes part of
your daily routine.
My gums bleed when I floss;
should I stop when this happens?It is
quite common for your gums to bleed when you first start flossing.
It may be a sign that you have some form of gum disease. After a few
days of flossing, the bleeding should stop as your gums become
healthier. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist.
I've never cleaned in between
my teeth before; is it too late to start?It's never too late. Whatever your age,
interdental cleaning provides major benefits to your teeth and gums
that you'll notice right away so the sooner you start, the better. Interdental cleaning makes your teeth and gums feel clean
because it reaches areas a toothbrush can't reach. It also keeps
your breath fresh and, more importantly, it can stop gum disease in
its tracks. |
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What kind of floss is best?While there are a number of different kinds of
floss, they are all designed to reach between the teeth and below
the gumline to remove plaque. The most important factor is finding a
floss that is comfortable and easy for you to use.Some of
the newer flosses, like Oral-B's SatinFloss®,
are designed to be easier to use. It is shred-resistant and slides
smoothly between the teeth. Oral-B's Satinfloss also provides a
fresh burst of mint flavor when you use it, which creates a
wonderfully fresh, clean feeling in your mouth. This is perhaps why,
in consumer and professional use studies, it was preferred 2 to 1
over a leading competitor floss.If you have
trouble holding or using floss, you may want to try a dental
flossette. It eliminates the need to wrap and guide the floss
between the teeth with the fingers, and can give you better control.
Once the flossette is inserted between the teeth, use the same
method of flossing as above. Flossettes are often easier for
children to use as they start to learn how to floss their own
teeth. |
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Are there flosses for special
conditions?If you have braces or
restorative dental work (such as a bridge) that interferes with
normal flossing, you may want to try a threading floss. Oral-B
SuperFloss® is unique because it has three sections in each
strand: a stiffened end that allows it to be threaded in between
your teeth, around braces, or under bridgework; a spongy floss, to
clean in wide spaces, and a regular floss for cleaning natural
teeth, and under the gumline. Toothpaste, fluoride or an
antibacterial agent can be used on the spongy floss section.
My teeth have wide gaps
between them; do I still have to floss?Even if you have widely spaced teeth, plaque
still forms between them and below the gumline-areas your brush
can't reach. In addition to flossing, your dentist or hygienist may
also recommend using an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has
a very small tapered or cylindrical head with fine bristles, ideal
for removing plaque between wider-spaced teeth.
Are there other methods of cleaning in between?
In addition to floss, there are other
products designed for cleaning between your teeth. Ask your dentist
or hygienist to help you determine which products are best for you.
Their recommendation will be influenced by a number of
factors:
- The amount of space between
each of your teeth
- The presence of orthodontic
braces or restorations, like a bridge
- The presence of implants or if
you are recovering from gum surgery
- The relative ease with which
you use dental floss
Interdental
brushes
If you have widely spaced teeth,
braces, bridges, or implants, you may benefit from
an interdental toothbrush. This toothbrush has a
very small tapered or cylindrical head with fine
bristles.
The Oral-B interdental
brush kit comes with a handle and two disposable
brushheads - you just need to replace the brushhead
when the bristles show wear. Also available, for
patients with sensitivity, is the soft foam
brushhead that provides a very gentle interdental
cleaning sensation. And for cleaning between your
teeth when you are on the move, the Oral-B compact
interdental brush (with travel cap) is an ideal size
for your purse or pocket.
 
Interspace brushheads (for
power toothbrushes)
You can use the Interspace
brushhead to clean between teeth. This brushhead fits all Oral-B
models.
Irrigators These, like the
Oral-B OxyJet,
use a pressurized stream of water to help clean around the gumline.
The OxyJet also has adjustable settings for use on sensitive areas
and has a water tower large enough to clean the whole mouth. As an
alternative to water, the OxyJet can also be used with
mouthrinse.
When should children start
flossing?Consult your dentist, but a
good rule of thumb is when two teeth touch. This usually happens
first with the back teeth. To begin with, you will have to floss
their teeth for them, but they will eventually need to learn to do
it for themselves. Using a dental
flossette may help you and your child get used to flossing. You
should continue to supervise flossing until your children are able
to do a thorough job on their own.For more information on children's oral
care, refer to the section which is dedicated to helping you
care for your child's teeth and gums.
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