What is superfloss

Superfloss is a special type of dental floss designed to help people with specific dental needs effectively clean their teeth and gums. It is often recommended for individuals who have braces, dental bridges, dental implants, or wide gaps between their teeth. Superfloss typically consists of three unique components in a single strand of floss:

1. Rigid End (Stiffened Threader): One end of superfloss is a stiffened or rigid threader. This section is designed to help guide the floss through dental appliances, such as braces or under bridges.

2. Spongy Middle Section: The middle part of superfloss is spongy or fluffy. This section is used to clean around braces, dental implants, or wide gaps between teeth. The texture of this portion helps remove plaque and food particles effectively.

3. Regular Floss: The other end of superfloss is traditional dental floss, typically made of nylon or Teflon. This section is used for cleaning between teeth and along the gumline, just like regular dental floss.

Here's how to use superfloss effectively, depending on your specific needs:

For Braces:

1. Take a length of superfloss (usually about 18 inches or 45 cm) and thread the rigid end through the wires of your braces. The stiffened end makes it easier to guide the floss between your teeth and braces.

2. Once the floss is threaded through, gently slide it up and down between each tooth and along the gumline. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging your braces or wires.

3. Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of superfloss between teeth.

For Dental Bridges or Implants:

1. Thread the stiffened end of superfloss under the dental bridge or around the dental implant by gently guiding it through the gap or under the appliance.

2. Once you have threaded the floss through, hold both ends of the floss and move it in a sawing motion to clean the space between the bridge or implant and the adjacent natural tooth.

3. Slide the spongy middle section of superfloss up and down along the abutment tooth (the natural tooth next to the bridge or implant) and beneath the bridge or around the implant to remove plaque and debris.

4. Repeat this process for each tooth with a dental bridge or implant.

For Wide Tooth Gaps or Other Dental Appliances:

1. Thread the stiffened end of superfloss through the gap between your teeth or around any dental appliance, such as a spacer or retainer.

2. Use the spongy middle section to clean the areas around the gap or appliance by sliding the floss up and down and along the gumline.

3. Repeat this process for each gap or dental appliance.

Regular and thorough dental hygiene, including flossing, is essential for maintaining good oral health. Superfloss is a helpful tool for those with specific dental needs to ensure effective cleaning in areas that may be challenging to reach with regular dental floss. It's important to use superfloss as directed by your dentist or orthodontist to avoid damaging dental appliances or dental work.

What happens if you don’t floss

Flossing is a crucial component of good oral hygiene, and neglecting to floss can have several negative consequences for your oral health. Here's what can happen if you don't floss regularly:

1. Plaque Buildup:

Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. If you don't floss, this plaque can accumulate, harden into tartar (also called calculus), and become more challenging to remove. Tartar buildup can lead to dental problems like cavities and gum disease.

2. Cavities:

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that produces acid when it interacts with sugars from the foods you eat. This acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Areas between teeth that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone are particularly vulnerable to cavities if not flossed.

3. Gum Disease:

Plaque accumulation along the gumline can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease (periodontitis), which can result in gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.

4. Bad Breath:

When food particles and bacteria remain trapped between teeth, they can contribute to bad breath (halitosis). Flossing helps remove these odor-causing particles, promoting fresher breath.

5. Tooth Sensitivity:

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to tooth sensitivity, making your teeth more prone to discomfort when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances.

6. Tooth Mobility and Tooth Loss:

Advanced gum disease can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. As a result, teeth can become loose (mobile) and may eventually need to be extracted.

7. Worsening of Existing Dental Problems:

If you already have dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or fillings, neglecting to floss can increase the risk of decay and gum problems around these restorations.

8. Limited Orthodontic Progress:

For individuals with braces or other orthodontic appliances, not flossing can hinder the progress of treatment and increase the risk of white spot lesions (early signs of decay) around brackets.

In summary, flossing is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. It complements brushing by removing plaque and food debris from areas that a toothbrush can't reach effectively. Regular flossing, combined with routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings, is key to preventing dental problems and preserving your teeth and gums over time. If you're unsure about the proper flossing technique or have difficulty flossing, consult your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance and recommendations tailored to your needs.

The invention of dental floss

Dental floss, an essential tool for oral hygiene, has an interesting history and development:

1. Early Use and Origin:

- The concept of cleaning between teeth dates back to ancient times. Evidence suggests that various materials, such as horsehair and twigs, were used to clean between teeth in prehistoric cultures.

2. Invention of Modern Dental Floss:

- The invention of modern dental floss is commonly credited to Dr. Levi Spear Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans. In 1815, Parmly introduced the idea of using waxed silken thread to clean between teeth. He advocated for this method in his book, "A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth."

- Parmly's recommendation was based on his belief that most dental problems were the result of food particles trapped between teeth.

3. Commercial Development:

- The first mass-produced dental floss was developed in the early 19th century. However, widespread usage and commercialisation of dental floss took some time.

- In 1882, the Codman and Shurtleff company began to market unwaxed silk dental floss commercially.

- In the early 20th century, Johnson & Johnson took a significant step by obtaining the first patent for dental floss in 1898. Their product was also made of silk, which was the primary material used for floss due to its softness and thin profile.

4. Introduction of Nylon Floss:

- The introduction of nylon in the 1940s by Dr. Charles C. Bass marked a significant development. Nylon floss was more resilient and less prone to shredding compared to silk floss.

- Nylon also allowed for the production of waxed floss and different sizes to accommodate varied spacing between teeth.

5. Widespread Use and Variations:

- Dental floss became more popular and widely used after World War II, particularly as preventative dental care gained more emphasis.

- Over time, various types of dental floss have been developed, including waxed and unwaxed versions, flavored floss, and floss made from different materials like Teflon.

6. Modern Innovations:

- Today, dental floss is an integral part of oral hygiene practices. Alongside traditional floss, there are numerous flossing aids available, such as floss picks, interdental brushes, and water flossers.

The evolution of dental floss reflects broader developments in dental science and a growing understanding of oral hygiene's importance. Regular use of dental floss is recommended by dentists worldwide for maintaining oral health, as it effectively removes plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush cannot easily reach.