FAQ: About Dental Flossing

Have you heard there isn't any good evidence that flossing works? This is because it is nearly impossible to design a good study that would show flossing, rather than great brushing or good diet was the absolute definative factor that stopped gum disease or decay. We think dental health is a combination of many positive things you can do for your health.

Because we want you to be able to make a choice based on your own thought and ideas about flossing we have put together a list of suggestions to help you make the best decision for your mouth and health:

• What is your past dental experience? Have you got any existing filling "between your teeth". We mean the fillings that are on the sides of your teeth that are uncleanable except by using floss or interdental brushes (picksters). We do have excellent evidence that decay is caused by plaque so perhaps it would be good to remove plaque everywhere we can.
• The Smell Test: When you floss your teeth have a smell of the floss before and after. If it smells unpleasant would it be good to keep your mouth as fresh as possible by removing the cause of the smell?

1. How often should I floss?
The usual recommendation is once per day. This actually breaks up any plaque between your teeth and makes it less likely to cause problems. Please be advised by our staff on your individual requirements. (Because we are all different!)

2. How should I floss?
When should I floss? Either before or after brushing is ok - ask us about our preference!

3. Other ways of cleaning between your teeth

If you find flossing annoying or difficult PLEASE ASK US. We are happy to look at ways to make it easier for you.
You might like to look at flosspics or piksters.