Dental floss is the most widely recommended tool for removing plaque from proximal tooth surfaces. It is available as multifilament nylon yarn that is twisted or non twisted bounded or non bounded, waxed or unwaxed and thick or thin. Improvement in gingival health is unrelated to the type of floss used. Factors influencing the choice of dental floss include the tightness of tooth contacts, roughness of proximal surfaces and patients manual dexterity.
Technique
Strart with apiece of floss about 12-18inches. It may be wrapped around the fingers or may be tied together in a loop. Stretch it in between the thumb and forefinger and pass it gently through each contact area with firm back and forth motion. Once the floss is apical to the contact area, wrap it around proximal surface of one teeth and slip it under marginal gingival. It can facilitated by using floss holder. Powered flossing devices are also available. These devices have a single bristle that moves in circular motion.
The benefits of interproximal cleaning using dental floss are undisputed. The flossing habit is difficult to establish so the patient should keep trying. Vigorously flossing can lead to mobility of the teeth and laceration of gingival due to excessive force applied.
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