14 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Flossing
Facts on Flossing
Fight plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath in minutes.
Bad Bacteria
You may not realize that even when your mouth is clean, bacteria lurk in the warm, damp cave, growing and eating incessantly. These naturally occurring microorganisms make a delicacy of even the most minute food particles, after which they deposit a sticky residue on the teeth called plaque. After you brush and floss, plaque accumulates throughout the day and night, especially in places where toothbrushes can't reach. Left to harden into tartar, plaque build-up irritates gums and can trigger inflammation and gum disease. Sound like a nasty situation? It doesn't have to be. In fact, you can virtually eliminate plaque by carefully brushing and properly flossing every day.
It's really that simple: your toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth, while the floss cleans between them. Flossing also polishes teeth and controls bad breath. An extra two or three minutes spent flossing each day can give you a huge advantage in the war against those bad bacteria. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice and flossing once daily.
Two Techniques
Correct flossing is a fairly easy thing to learn: either via the spool method, if you're quite dexterous, or via the loop method if you're less nimble with your fingers. To use the spool method, simply pull off about 18 inches of floss, wind most of it lightly around your middle finger. Don't pull tightly and cut off your circulation! Then wind the remaining floss around your other hand's middle finger to take up the used floss as you go. Now, push the floss in between your teeth using your index fingers and thumbs. Gently bring the floss up and down several times around both sides of each tooth, making sure to reach below the gum line, forming a C around each tooth with the floss. Pull or push it against your gums carefully so that you don't hurt them; avoid rubbing it from side to side.
To use the loop method, pull off an 18-inch strand of floss, then make it into a circle. Tie the circle with three secure knots, and place all of your fingers (not your thumb) within the loop. Next, use your index fingers to direct the floss through your lower teeth, and your thumbs to direct it through your upper teeth. Again, be sure to clean below the gum line, and make the floss form a C around the sides of each tooth.
If you're not especially skilled with your hands, or if you have to floss someone else's teeth for them, you may want to consider a pre-threaded flossing tool. These small plastic devices come in bulk packages at drugstores. They are rather inexpensive but very effective.
Styles of Floss
Don't let the wide variety of flosses confuse you; simply choose the one that appeals to you the most so that you'll use it. The style you choose is far less important than the fact that you do floss! Consider these distinguishing factors. Wide floss, also called dental tape, works well for bridgework or widely-spaced teeth. You may also find that waxed flosses slide more smoothly between tight teeth or restorations. On the other hand, unwaxed floss squeaks, indicating that you've gotten your teeth clean, and bonded, unwaxed floss is sturdier than unbonded, unwaxed floss.
The ADA offers a video clip to teach patients young and old how to floss and brush correctly. To view the clip, visit www.ada.org/public/games/animation/index.asp.
"Dr. Stephen Gershberg is a skilled and caring dentist adept at all phases of modern practice. I am especially impressed with his kind and thoughtful approach to his patient's needs. Dr Gershberg provides personalized care and his attention to detail and esthetics is superb. His staff is always pleasant, and the office atmosphere is warm and relaxed. I highly recommend Dr. Gershberg's practice."
Robert Summers, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Narberth, PA
"Congratulations on your new web site. I'm sure that the people who view it will see, as I
have throughout the many years of working with you, the high artistic quality of your work. They will understand what a fine clinician you are, and realize how much time and effort you devote to giving your patients such high quality dental care. You are a real asset to the dental profession, and one of the gold standards of quality dental care in the 21st century."
Harvey Wank DMD
Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical School
"Having worked with you for many years, I would like to compliment you on the remarkable clinical and esthetic results you are able to achieve with your patients. When it comes to perfection, there is certainly no compromise. Words do not express the satisfaction of your patients with regards the crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers and implant restorations you have placed. The exquisite artistry displayed behind each individual smile is a direct tribute to the excellent work you perform. Keep up the good work."
Geoffrey Rabie DMD, BDS
Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
"I have been very fortunate to work with Dr. Gershberg for some fifteen years now. His persistent pursuit of perfection and beautiful aesthetic work speaks for itself. P.S. I was talking with my sister Val the other day about the work you did for her boyfriend Dave, and she just could not say enough about how pleased they were with his teeth as well as how easy it was to work with you as a professional in getting exactly what he wanted.
Hope all is well! "
Tom Seibert, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Bryn Mawr. PA
"It has been a great pleasure to work with you over the last five years. I am always greatly impressed with the high quality of your work and with your unwavering commitment to your patients. My expectations for the level of care for my patients are always exceeded by your high standard of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with you long into the future!"
John Whytosek, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology
Broomall, PA
Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontics
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