Brushing and flossing are two distinct actions, each targeting different surfaces of the teeth and gums to control the buildup of bacterial plaque. The question of whether to combine these tools by applying toothpaste directly to dental floss is a frequent query. Understanding the separate functions of these oral care products and professional recommendations provides a clear answer. This article explores the separate mechanisms of floss and toothpaste, addresses the current dental consensus on combining them, and outlines the proper technique for effective cleaning.
How Floss Works vs. How Toothpaste Works
Dental floss is primarily a mechanical cleaning tool designed to remove plaque and debris from the smooth, curved surfaces between teeth. The physical friction of the floss fiber against the tooth surface scrapes away the sticky biofilm and trapped food particles. Flossing targets the interproximal spaces and the slight crevice just below the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Effective flossing helps prevent gum disease and decay by disrupting this localized accumulation of bacteria.
Toothpaste, in contrast, serves both a chemical and a mild abrasive function during brushing. It contains gentle polishing agents to help remove surface stains and loose plaque from the broader tooth surfaces. More importantly, toothpaste delivers chemical agents, most notably fluoride, which aids in the remineralization of tooth enamel. This chemical action helps strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to the acid attacks that cause decay.
Dental Consensus on Adding Toothpaste
Dental professionals generally do not recommend adding toothpaste to floss as a standard practice for the general population. The main purpose of floss is the mechanical removal of plaque, an action that is not significantly enhanced by the physical presence of paste. Applying toothpaste to floss can be inefficient and counterproductive, as the paste may cause the floss to fray or become too thick to slide easily into tight interproximal spaces.
The most effective way to deliver fluoride to the entire mouth remains brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is meant to be distributed across broad surfaces and mixed with saliva to maximize its therapeutic contact time. However, some dental experts suggest that individuals with a high risk for interproximal cavities may benefit from applying a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to the floss. This targeted application aims to deliver a higher concentration of fluoride directly to the vulnerable contact points.
Proper Flossing Technique
Since the mechanical action of floss is paramount, mastering the correct technique is far more beneficial than attempting to modify the tool with paste. The recommended method is the C-shape technique, which ensures maximum contact with the tooth surface. Begin with about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around your middle fingers and leaving a small, taut section between your thumbs and index fingers.
Once the floss is gently guided between two teeth, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Slide the floss gently up and down the side of the tooth, extending slightly below the gumline until you feel resistance. Repeat this C-shape motion on the adjacent tooth before removing the floss. Unwind a clean section of floss for each new tooth to avoid transferring bacteria throughout the mouth. Flossing should be performed once per day, ideally before brushing, to dislodge plaque and allow the subsequent fluoride from the toothpaste to better access the cleaned surfaces.