Why flossing is difficult.

[Woodznutz]

Dentists lament that people don't floss because it is 'difficult' (although I believe impatience is just as big a factor).

One reason why it is difficult is that most people don't know the proper way to hold the floss. Most instructions have you wrapping the floss around your index fingers. This indeed makes flossing difficult, especially for the back teeth. The most efficient/easy way to hold the floss is to wrap it around your middle fingers just behind the second knuckle and manipulating the floss with the free index fingers and thumbs (this will require a length of floss of at least 30 inches. I use 36 inches). Ask your hygienist to show you how to do this (if indeed they know this method). I learned how to do this from my periodontist's hygienist.

 

[1srelluc]

I know, you must be as bored as I am with the whole MN thread thing....But oral hygiene threads?

 

[MarathonMike]

Hmmm not sure that's easier but whatever it takes, dental health is really important for oldsters. My hygienist really got on my case a couple of years ago because my gums around my back teeth were getting inflamed. She was quite adamant about flossing and using a water pik every day along with brushing. I respect her and how passionate she is about dental health so I did that. All good now.

 

[Woodznutz]

I know, you must be as bored as I am with the whole MN thread thing....But oral hygiene threads?

That's what the "Health and Lifestyle" forum is all about.

I want to help my fellow man while I am still able.

 

[Woodznutz]

Hmmm not sure that's easier but whatever it takes, dental health is really important for oldsters. My hygienist really got on my case a couple of years ago because my gums around my back teeth were getting inflamed. She was quite adamant about flossing and using a water pik every day along with brushing. I respect her and how passionate she is about dental health so I did that. All good now.

Great health begins with the ability to properly chew your food. Keeping, or replacing, all your teeth is vital to this. I just spent nearly $4,000 on a molar implant (my second implant). Best money I've ever spent.

 

[airplanemechanic]

My grandmother died at something like 82 or something, with having NEVER had a cavity and died with every tooth in her head being her own.

How, you ask?

She brushed and flossed after EVERY meal, EVERY DAY. Unfortunately she drank hard liquor like a fish and died of esophageal cancer.

 

[MarathonMike]

Great health begins with the ability to properly chew your food.

My hygienist said too many older men ignore their teeth and ends up causing other health issues like heart problems. That got my attention.

 

[Woodznutz]

My hygienist said too many older men ignore their teeth and ends up causing other health issues like heart problems. That got my attention.

Mine too, and likely too late as I developed coronary artery disease and underwent triple bypass, CABG (coronary artery bypass graft), surgery. This was nearly 15 years ago. I'm doing great and feel like I have several more years in me before I assume room temperature.

 

[Meister]

I've been blessed, never had a cavity, or a gum disease. I've had one implant from
when my mouth blocked a left jab.

 

[MarathonMike]

I've been blessed, never had a cavity, or a gum disease. I've had one implant from
when my mouth blocked a left jab.

You are very fortunate, but do not ignore them now.

 

[Mr Natural]

Be true to your teeth and they won't be false to you.

- Soupy Sales

 

[Woodznutz]

If you don't care for your teeth the only thing you'll be able to sink them into will be a glass of water.

 

[Dogmaphobe]

The most efficient/easy way to hold the floss is to wrap it around your middle fingers

I had a helpful fellow show me his flossing technique just the other day as I was driving around town in that very cautious manner of mine.