BRECKSVILLE Magazine - ScripType Publishing

y Arlene J. Coloma, d.d.S., M.S.
Dental professionals are often asked “Is
flossing necessary, how often should I floss,
and which teeth need to be flossed?”
Our response is that you should only floss
the teeth that you want to keep.
That also applies to your child’s teeth. If
your child’s teeth, whether they are baby
or permanent teeth, are touching, then it
is time to incorporate flossing. When teeth
are touching and fit snuggly together, the
toothbrush cannot thoroughly clean the
teeth. Since most cavities start in between
the teeth, the American Dental Association
(ADA) recommends that children clean between
their teeth daily with floss or another
interdental aid to remove food and plaque
from hidden areas.
Many children, especially young ones,
lack the dexterity to floss properly until
around the age of 10. Parents, it is up to
you to assist your children in their flossing
techniques. There are many options available;
trying different brands helps to find the
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be Your Own boss, Take Charge of the Floss
one that suits your child’s needs. Try waxed,
unwaxed, superfloss, floss picks or electric
flossers and use the one that gets the job
done and has the ADA seal of approval.
Performing the flossing task properly is
just as important as picking the right floss.
Take about 12 to 16 inches of floss and wrap
most of it around each middle finger leaving
an inch of floss between. Gently slide
the floss down between the teeth with your
thumb and index fingers while holding the
floss taut. Curve the floss around the tooth
to form the shape of a “C” and gently move
the floss up and down on the sides of the
tooth, including under the gum line. Unroll
and move to a new piece of floss as you move
from tooth to tooth so you don’t redistribute
bacteria. Bleeding gums might occur at first,
but should subside in a few days. If bleeding
persists, contact your dentist.
Parents, if you or your children are having
difficulty maneuvering the floss, ask your
dental professionals to demonstrate the
proper flossing method.
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Studies have shown that oral health and
general health are related. The bacteria that
are found with gingivitis and periodontal
disease have been linked to coronary artery
disease and atherosclerosis. Periodontal
disease appears to make insulin resistance
worse in the diabetic patient. If you have
certain health problems, such as cardiovascular
disease or diabetes, flossing may
help to protect you from any further health
complications.
Dr. Coloma specializes in dental care for
infants, adolescents and individuals with
developmental disabilities. Her offices are
located in Brecksville at 8869 Brecksville
Road and in Strongsville at 15414 Pearl
Road. Call 440-526-2350 in Brecksville or
440-878-1200 in Strongsville, or visit www.
drcoloma.net. ∞
The Brecksville Magazine, July 2011