Expanding floss is a specialized dental product designed to enhance plaque removal by changing its physical properties when introduced to the mouth. This type of floss is typically a nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) strand that is initially thin and smooth.
The material is engineered to thicken or “fluff” upon contact with saliva and friction. The following instructions provide a clear guide on the correct usage of this adaptive flossing tool.
Unique Characteristics of Expanding Floss
Expanding floss offers distinct advantages over traditional single-strand floss due to its unique construction. The primary benefit comes from the increased surface area it achieves after expansion. This thickening allows the floss to cover more of the tooth’s surface and fill the interdental space more completely, which helps to dislodge and sweep away more plaque and debris than a standard thin strand of floss.
The expanded, softer texture of the floss is particularly gentle on the gums, making it a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive gingival tissue. Its ability to expand makes it highly effective in areas with varied or wider gaps between teeth, as the material conforms to the unique contours of the space. Once expanded, the floss can be more effective at cleaning around slightly rough dental work, where it can better capture buildup.
Proper Technique for Using Expanding Floss
To begin the flossing process, tear off a length of floss measuring approximately 18 inches. This length ensures you have a clean segment to use for every tooth surface. Wrap most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a short working section of about one to two inches tautly held between your thumbs and index fingers.
Gently guide the floss between two teeth using a smooth, controlled motion, taking care to avoid snapping it down onto the gum tissue. Once the floss passes the contact point, curve the working section into a “C” shape, wrapping it firmly around one of the teeth. This shape allows the floss to hug the entire side of the tooth, reaching just below the gum line where plaque often accumulates.
Slide the floss gently up and down the side of the tooth, performing several vertical strokes to scrape the surface clean. Repeat this C-shape and vertical motion on the adjacent tooth before carefully removing the floss. Before moving to the next interdental space, unwind a small amount of fresh floss from one middle finger and take up the used portion on the other, ensuring a clean section is used for each new tooth surface.
Specialized Uses and Advanced Tips
The bulk of expanded floss is particularly beneficial when cleaning around specific dental restorations like crowns or implants. For areas where the teeth are joined, such as under a dental bridge, a specialized tool called a floss threader is necessary. This tool helps guide the floss where fingers cannot reach.
Cleaning Restorations
Thread the expanding floss through the loop of the threader and use the stiffened end to guide the floss beneath the bridge or retainer wire. Once the floss is positioned under the restoration, remove the threader, and use the floss to clean the underside of the false tooth, known as the pontic. The expanded floss can also be used to clean the sides of the anchor teeth by forming the C-shape against the tooth surface that supports the bridge.
Troubleshooting
If the floss begins to shred excessively, it may indicate a rough edge on a filling or a jagged area of tartar buildup, which should be examined by a dentist. To prevent the expanded floss from snagging as you remove it, try releasing one end and pulling the strand out to the side instead of pulling it back up through the tight contact point. Maintaining tension while cleaning with the expanded material is important to ensure the wider surface effectively scrapes the tooth.