Reaching the teeth located far back in the mouth (the posterior region) presents a significant challenge during daily oral hygiene. This area includes the premolars and molars, which are larger and have complex surfaces where plaque and food debris easily accumulate. Because of the difficulty in access, these back teeth are often neglected, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay. Learning how to effectively clean these hard-to-reach areas is essential for maintaining complete oral health.
Mastering String Floss Technique for Molars
Begin by tearing off a segment of floss approximately 18 inches long. Wrap the majority of the floss around the middle finger of one hand and a small amount around the middle finger of the other, leaving a working section of about one to two inches taut between the fingers. Use the index fingers to guide the floss for the upper molars, and the thumbs for the lower molars. This short, controlled length allows for greater precision when maneuvering deep inside the cheek.
Once the floss reaches the space between the molars, employ the “C-shape” technique to ensure maximum plaque removal. Gently slide the taut floss down into the space, then curve it firmly against one side of the tooth, forming a “C” around the tooth’s circumference. Slide the floss gently below the gum line until a slight resistance is felt, avoiding forceful snapping that can injure the delicate gum tissue. Repeat this motion four to five times, moving the floss up and down the side of the tooth to disrupt the bacterial film.
After cleaning the first side, unwrap a small section of floss and curve it around the adjacent tooth, repeating the vertical scraping motion. A frequent oversight is neglecting the very last surface of the final molar, known as the distal surface. To clean this area, guide the floss past the contact point and wrap it completely around the back curve of the tooth before using the same gentle, vertical strokes. Using a clean segment of floss for each new interdental space prevents the transfer of bacteria and debris throughout the mouth.
Overcoming Physical Obstacles and Gag Reflex
Physical limitations like a small mouth opening or strong cheek muscles can make reaching the back teeth challenging even with proper technique. When trying to access the rearmost molars, slightly closing the mouth helps relax the cheek and jaw muscles, providing a little extra space for the fingers and the floss. Another strategy is to carefully stretch the cheek outward with the non-dominant hand while guiding the floss with the dominant hand. Navigating tight contact points between teeth requires a gentle, sawing motion to slide the floss through without damaging the enamel or gums.
The natural gag reflex can be a significant barrier when placing fingers or tools far back in the mouth. To mitigate this response, try breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, as this helps quiet the involuntary reflexes of the throat. Flossing the back teeth quickly and efficiently can also minimize the amount of time the trigger area is stimulated. Additionally, some individuals find distraction helpful, such as focusing intently on a specific object in the room or listening to music.
If the gag reflex remains a persistent issue, flossing immediately after brushing the teeth might help, as the mouth is already focused on the cleaning sensation. Consistency in attempting to reach the posterior teeth can gradually reduce the sensitivity over time. For severe cases, consulting a dentist is advisable; they may recommend a mild topical anesthetic spray to temporarily desensitize the area.
Specialized Tools for Posterior Access
When manual dexterity is a limiting factor, specialized tools offer a simplified method for posterior cleaning. Floss picks and holders provide a pre-tensioned strand of floss mounted on a handle, which significantly improves leverage and access to the back teeth. These tools allow for one-handed operation, simplifying the process of guiding the floss around the distant molars without maneuvering fingers deep into the mouth.
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use a pressurized stream of water to flush out debris and plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line. The slim nozzle easily reaches the back of the mouth, making it highly effective for cleaning around molars, braces, and complex dental work. Electronic power flossers or air flossers utilize rapid, guided movements or bursts of air and water droplets to clean interdental spaces, providing a quick alternative for those who struggle with the fine motor skills required for traditional flossing.