What Holistic Dentists Recommend for Flossing Teeth

Holistic dentistry allows you to take a more mindful and safer approach to your dental care.
It is well-known that flossing reduces the chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends frequent interdental cleanings, such as flossing, to remove food debris and plaque buildup from areas of the teeth that are not accessible by regular brushing.
Modern holistic dentists warn about the dangers of using many commercially available dental floss products; many of these are dangerous to your health and the environment.
Do you think this means that you should stop flossing altogether? Definitely, not! Holistic dentists suggest a different floss type than the commonly available ones. They may be unpopular methods, but they are more effective means of holistic dental cleaning.

 Dental Floss Materials

There are many options for dental floss products. Each type of floss has its pros and cons. However, holistic dentists will recommend avoiding dental floss made of toxic materials. These are just a few:

1. 1. Teflon Dental Floss

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a material known for its durability and resistance to water, shredding, and breakage. Some manufacturers use Teflon to make dental floss. However, some PTFE-coated dental floss brands use perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is linked to some health concerns. Constant contact with this chemical increases the risk of developing thyroid, kidney, or reproductive health problems.

1. 2. Silk and Waxed Nylon Dental Floss

Their thinness is why many manufacturers use silk and nylon for their dental floss. They coat them with wax to prevent them from shredding.
However, the wax they use sticks to your teeth while flossing. It can prevent minerals from reaching the surface of the teeth and hinders tooth remineralization.

 Holistic Cleaning Method

A trusted holistic dentist will not only encourage using unwaxed floss but also show you how to floss holistically.
Ozone and herbal remedies are a few ways to clean your teeth holistically. Ozone is a compound composed of three oxygen atoms, and it’s commonly used to treat water to create ozonated water. Experts recommend coating your floss with small amounts of ozone-infused oils before flossing in some cases.

 Dental Cleaning Benefits: Ozone

Ozone is used in many holistic procedures for dental cleaning. According to an expert Pagosa Springs dentist in Sunrise Dentistry, ozone provides patients with many benefits like:

1. 1. Teeth Healing

Ozone has been successfully used to treat serious gum infections. Flushing ozonated water under the gum line can heal the gums and restore dental health. Ozone can also stimulate the immune system to fight infections.

1. 2. Reduces Bacterial Growth

Ozone is one of the most effective antibacterial agents around. It’s 1.5 times more effective than chloride at fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi that grow inside the mouth. It is also a strong disinfectant that dentists can use before other surgical procedures or after tooth extractions.

1. 3. Neutralizes Acids in The Mouth

Cavity-causing bacteria thrive in the acidic environment of the oral cavity. Ozone treatment can neutralize oral acidity, reduce the growth of bacteria, and promote healthy teeth and mouth.

1. 4. Non-toxic Dental Treatment s

Ozone is a naturally occurring element and is safe for your body and the environment. It also allows dentists to clean and maintain teeth without toxic or harmful chemicals.

 How Often Do You Have to Floss?

ADA recommends flossing once daily, after meals, for any type of dental cleaning. It doesn’t matter whether you floss during the day or night; it’s consistency in your dental care. Experts recommend using less pressure to clean the teeth to protect the gums.

 How to Floss Properly

Knowing the proper technique to floss your teeth will prevent you from damaging your gums and help keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to follow:

• • Take about 18 inches of floss, and wrap most of it around your middle finger. Then, wrap the floss around the other finger, which will pick up the dirty part of the floss.
  • Keep the floss between your thumbs, forefingers, and thumbs.
  • Use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Do not insert the floss into your gums.
  • Once the floss reaches your gum line, bend it to a C shape and place it against one tooth. Place the floss between the gum line and the tooth by gently sliding it in.
  • Hold the floss tightly against your tooth, then gently rub it against the tooth’s side using up and down movements. Repeat this until you reach your teeth at the back of your mouth.

Discard the floss when you’re done. Reusing floss won’t clean your teeth effectively and can leave bacteria behind.

 Key Takeaway

Flossing is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, some flosses use harmful materials and chemicals. Holistic dentists recommend alternate ways like using unwaxed floss, ozone, and herbal remedies.