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All About Flossing

10 August 2016

Patients often ask me if flossing is really necessary, and do they have to floss every day? The answer to both is a definite YES! Our mouths are full of bacteria, which starts to form Dental Plaque as soon as we have brushed our teeth. Bacteria thrive in a warm, dark and moist environment, like the mouth, and the spaces in between the teeth are like little pockets where they can remain hidden. The gum naturally forms a crevice around the neck of the tooth which is why when we brush we should aim the bristles at 45 degrees into the gums in order for the bristles to penetrate this crevice.

In between the teeth there is the same crevice but the bristles of the toothbrush don’t quite reach. I once heard a Periodontist (Dentist further trained to treat severe Gum Disease) refer to this condition as Interdental Disease because it often starts in between the teeth. Gum Disease is the body’s reaction to specific pathogenic Bacteria, causing inflammation and destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth mobility and eventual loss if not treated correctly. The main treatment for this condition is the Patient’s own Oral Hygiene regime and we as a profession can’t emphasise the need for good oral hygiene enough in the prevention of Dental Disease. A lack of flossing can also increase the risk of the other Dental Disease to affect the population, Dental Caries (Tooth Decay). The aim of interdental cleaning is to remove bacteria from under the gumline between the teeth.

When you floss it is important to slide the floss carefully down the tooth towards the gum and carefully bring the floss about halfway down the triangle of gum in between the teeth on either side. So you wrap the floss around one tooth and slide it into the gum and back out a few times then you repeat the process for the adjacent tooth and so on around the mouth. I tend to advise this is done before brushing and once a day, preferably in the evening. Once you have then brushed your teeth spit out the excess toothpaste and leave the residue in the mouth, this will help a little more in protecting the teeth.

OTHER OPTIONS

Interdental brushes are very useful particularly when the gaps between the teeth at the gumline are larger than normal either due to previous gum disease, tooth loss, gum recession or just movement of the teeth. They are colour coded and come in different sizes depending on the gap. The brush should fit snugly in between the teeth touching both sides but sliding through with relative ease. They are also great for patients with fixed retainers after Orthodontic treatment and those patients whose manual dexterity is challenged. The aim of these brushes is to brush the gum between the teeth not to go up and down the side of the tooth. The brush is carefully pushed through between the teeth at the gumline.

Interdental sticks do much the same job but less efficiently depending on the product. The woodsticks do not remove the bacteria but do remove any food debris pretty well, although they can splinter and get stuck between the tooth and the gum which is why I do not recommend woodsticks. There are many softer sticks with fine bristles which are in some cases easier to manage and by far a better option.

Floss picks are great to teach the technique of flossing and for patients with difficult to access mouths as they are a piece of floss loaded in a carrier which fits into the mouth easily without patients trying to reach their fingers to the back of their mouth. Patients who have a sensitive gag reflex may find these better to use.

Water flossers have their place but in my opinion are last resorts as they seem to be less effective in plaque removal than physically disturbing the bacteria. I tend to recommend them to patients again whose manual dexterity is not very good and if we have tried other alternatives first. However, I have seen a few patients who use the water flosser and have immaculate Oral Hygiene and I would not recommend a change in these circumstances.

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I recently visited Briars Dental Practice in Newbury and had a truly excellent experience. From the moment I walked in, the receptionist greeted me warmly and made me feel welcome. The hygienist who saw me prior to my appointment with the dentist was very thorough and gave me some great advice on how to keep my teeth healthy.I was then seen by Richard, one of the dentists at the practice, and I have to say that he and his nurse were fantastic. They put me at ease throughout the whole procedure, were extremely professional and caring, and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. I was also impressed by their attention to detail and their willingness to take the time to answer all of my questions.In fact, I was so pleased with my experience that I would also like to mention another dentist named Richard who saw me previously. He too was excellent, very thorough and professional, and I felt very well taken care of during my appointments with him.Overall, I can't recommend Briars Dental Practice highly enough. The staff are all so friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they really go above and beyond to make sure that their patients are well looked after. If you're looking for a great dental practice in Newbury, look no further than Briars.
Beatrice Andreea
Beatrice Andreea
12:07 11 May 23
Thank you for a wonderful experience, I am a coward when it comes to the dentist, Mr Nick French, put me at ease, and has the patience of a Saint. I would also say the dental nurse was I lovely lady who let me crush her hand while I was having my injections. I give Briars Dental Centre 10 out of 10, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Jan Hamments
Jan Hamments
19:11 29 Jun 23
I had a hygienist appointment with Jo and her nurse, Suzanne. It was the first time I’d tried GBT and found the experience much more comfortable than usual. Jo and Suzanne really put me at ease and made sure I was happy throughout the treatment. It was good being able to clearly see the areas which I needed to improve on brushing and Jo gave me great tips. Would highly recommend
Lauren Jade
Lauren Jade
16:52 19 Jun 23
After such a positive experience today with Richard I thought it only fair to delete my previous review. I am a very nervous patient and not ashamed to say I cried before my appointment. Richard and his lovely dental nurse were so understanding and treated me with kindness and empathy. Richard explained everything to me and allowed me to go at my pace. All options for my next appointment were explained to me and I now have trust in Richard that I feel I will not need full sedation. I was in alot of pain prior to my appointment today along with an enormous amount of anxiety. Richard even explained to me how to breathe when having treatment- no other dentist has ever explained that to me before!Thank you again Richard and to your lovely dental nurse.
Mary Lovelock
Mary Lovelock
15:03 24 Apr 23
I had my consultancy appointment with Chelsea today who looked after me very well. She was very friendly and easy to talk to and explained everything to me very nicely. And also answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease today and for future appointments. It was nice to meet you, and thank you.Glenn.
Glenn Cooper
Glenn Cooper
22:20 23 May 23
I recently had to visit Richard Lineker as I'd broken a tooth.He and his lovely nurse Agata made me feel comfortable and explained what treatment I needed.They work extremely well as a team andmy treatment was painless.
Pauline Preston
Pauline Preston
13:59 12 Jul 23
Wanted to share my mother's thoughts of recent experience visiting Jo Craig hygienist."Jo was attentive , caring gentle and thorough today.I came out feeling fresh and motivated.Well looked after also by her lovely nurse Jenny."Angela Shaw.
Suzanne Hendry
Suzanne Hendry
11:03 21 Jul 23
I am very pleased with the treatment I received. After another dentist had told me the tooth had to be extracted, Mr Fady Khoury managed to save the tooth. The procedure was carried out in a very efficient and professional manner and I am very happy with the outcome.
Terence Marshall
Terence Marshall
16:03 24 Jul 23
Had an appointment with Chelsea today and it went very very well. Had my scans and photos done for Invisalign, which can be a bit awkward but she made it a comfortable experience. She was very friendly, welcoming, put me at ease and asked if I had any overall questions at that stage of the process. She was knowledgeable and explained everything I asked about. It's my first time at this clinic so I'm looking forward for my second appointment to discuss treatment. Great first impression from the moment I stepped through the door! Thanks!
Diana
Diana
11:01 31 Jul 23
A very happy customer! I had quite a lot of crooked and misaligned teeth so Victoria introduced me to Invisalign. She carefully created a program to give me the smile I wanted. In the end it took longer than we had expected but Victoria very diligently took me through every step of the process and she didn’t compromise on any part of the process to ensure I got the smile and teeth alignment we both wanted. A huge thank you to her and her assistant Jen who made every effort to make me feel comfortable throughout. Highly recommended.San
San James
San James
17:16 02 Aug 23
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