Question for dentists re flossing

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JimSocal - 24 Nov 2005 03:44 GMT

I was told to floss for many years, and each time I would try, but
find it so uncomfortable/awkward/unpleasant. So I never did it.

Then I found these DenTek Silk Floss tools, which are little white
toothpick type things with one end holding a 1/2" piece of floss
between two ends.

For some reason I find these much more enjoyable to use and I use them
more or less after each meal, when I remember.

So my question is: Are these as good as regular floss, the kind you
hold between your fingers? Seems to me the technique of using the
longer pieces, with one's fingers, may be better. But I'm not sure.

I'm guessing that using the DenTek ones are better than nothing, at
least.

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Sue - 27 Nov 2005 22:48 GMT

> I was told to floss for many years, and each time I would try, but
> find it so uncomfortable/awkward/unpleasant. So I never did it.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> I'm guessing that using the DenTek ones are better than nothing, at
> least.

Hey Jim-

I think if you are using DenTek regularly, you are doing great! I
would not worry about the difference between DenTek and regular floss.

JMHO,
Sue (non-dentoid)

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JimSocal - 28 Nov 2005 09:34 GMT

>> I was told to floss for many years, and each time I would try, but
>> find it so uncomfortable/awkward/unpleasant. So I never did it.
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>JMHO,
>Sue (non-dentoid)

Thanks. I'm surprised the dentists didn't chime in on this. I thought
floss was like the "Holy Grail" of dentists! (-;

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Sue - 28 Nov 2005 15:15 GMT

> >> I was told to floss for many years, and each time I would try, but
> >> find it so uncomfortable/awkward/unpleasant. So I never did it.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> >I think if you are using DenTek regularly, you are doing great! I
> >would not worry about the difference between DenTek and regular floss.

> >JMHO,
> >Sue (non-dentoid)
> Thanks. I'm surprised the dentists didn't chime in on this. I thought
> floss was like the "Holy Grail" of dentists! (-;

Jim-
If you were to say that yu use Listerine instead of floss, then they
may chime in. Listerine does not reach all the nooks and crannies like
floss does.

-Sue

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Dr. G. - 30 Nov 2005 06:10 GMT

> >> So my question is: Are these as good as regular floss, the kind you
> >> hold between your fingers? Seems to me the technique of using the
> >> longer pieces, with one's fingers, may be better. But I'm not sure.

I think you answered your own question below. It's better than nuthin! I
use similar devices when I out and about and regular floss is
unavailable or not possible. But, one of the precepts of good floss use
is the idea that it can be partially (and tightly) wrapped around each
tooth. Imagine making the floss into a shape of the letter "C" around
each side of a tooth and moving it up and down to break up the plaque
layer that may be forming there. The DenTek devices clean between the
teeth but probably do not wrap around the tooth far at all to clean the
curved surfaces brushing may not reach. This allows little "spurs" of
calculus to form. Those need to be removed regularly and often by the
hygienist.

I apologize for not being able to describe the proper use of dental
floss better, but I think the bottom line is that you should be
commended for using the DenTek device i n place of doing nothing at all.
Keep it up and check with your hygienist about how you may make these
things work the best way for you.

Dr. G.
prosthodontist

> >> I'm guessing that using the DenTek ones are better than nothing, at
> >> least.
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Thanks. I'm surprised the dentists didn't chime in on this. I thought
> floss was like the "Holy Grail" of dentists! (-;

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JimSocal - 30 Nov 2005 18:20 GMT

>> >> So my question is: Are these as good as regular floss, the kind you
>> >> hold between your fingers? Seems to me the technique of using the
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>Dr. G.
>prosthodontist

Thanks. I get what you are saying. Guess I'll give regular floss
another try.

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Floss-a-holics Anonymous - 01 Dec 2005 18:28 GMT

Hello Floss-a-holics,
Sounds like you are some of the few people in the world who do
floss. It's about 10% on averag, that's it. They say about 23% but
studies show at least half are lying.

You're doing great as was mentioned above. If you like the Dentek®
sticks try my dad's invention called Pocket Floss®, it's actually fun
to use. It's not made in China, it's made in my hometown of Spokane,
WA by hard working Americans. I went from not flossing at all to
flossing daily after I started learning the reasons why...

1. It takes only 8 hours for harmful bacteria to build up inbetween
teeth, then you start swallowing it and it can make you slightly
ill...until you floss!! Not good!

2. Flossing daily has proven to benefit general health

3. Flossing away the bacteria between teeth daily helps reduce the
risk of heart attack!

Check out the product at our site. Keep up the flossing!
http://www.pocketfloss.com

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