Common "Dental Floss" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Dental Floss

Dental floss is a thin thread-like object used to clean the spaces between two adjacent teeth (interdental spaces). The interdental spaces are the places where sticky and fibrous food gets struck, but it is hard to clean using a normal toothbrush. To prevent tooth decay, floss every day.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I am seeking expert advice on tooth decay. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 36-year-old female seeking your expert advice and guidance on tooth decay. I have been experiencing dental concerns and am eager to address them effectively. Your expertise can provide valuable insights on prevention and management. Could you explain tooth decay, including its c...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read the query, and I can understand your concern. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is primarily caused by two things: plaque buildup, which leads to an increase in microbiological growth (mostly Streptococci mutans), and a decrease in the fluoride content of t...  Read Full »

As my doctor suggested, I feel discomfort after using electric floss for some time. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, I visited the doctor, and he said to use an electric floss for some days. I used that, and this happened. Picture attached. Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Shiva Shangkharii. K.

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. 1. It is a soft tissue abrasion. 2. You have already been diagnosed earlier with localized periodontitis with a gingival recession on your lower anterior. 3. This means you already have a gum recession in the lower anterior. 4. Have you been treated for that? 5. Few da...  Read Full »

What should I do for gum irritation below premolar crown due to food lodgement?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a problem with my crown on premolar. Food gets stuffed in here and irritates. What should I do?  Read Full »


Dr. Tooba Qazi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. One of the following options will help you get rid of this problem. 1. If there is only slight irritation and impaction of food between the crown tooth and the adjacent teeth, I would advise the simple use of dental floss to maintain cleanliness, and your complai...  Read Full »

How to remove floss stuck in teeth?

Query: Hello doctor, I have floss stuck underneath my permanent retainer (had retainer for almost five years now) on my lower jaw. There is no pain, but I would like to find out how to remove the floss.  Read Full »


Dr. Divya Banu M

Answer: Hey, Welcome to icliniq.com. For removal of the floss, you can use a tweezer. Another option is to try the superfine interdental brush, like Stim proxa and if it is not working out, then go to a local dentist. Do not try to mess with it much as this can cause a problem with your retainers. You do ...  Read Full »

I bought a pack of dental floss two years back. Can I use it now?

Query: Hi doctor, I visited a dentist nearly two years ago, and I was suggested to use dental floss. I tried using it for a week and then did not continue. Now I have tooth sensitivity and occasional pain. So I am thinking of using dental floss regularly as suggested by the dentist before. But I need to k...  Read Full »


Dr. Dhanya Mary Sam

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.Tooth sensitivity and pain are different entities. So in which tooth do you have pain? The treatment is different for both, so can you please specify? Flossing can be done, but to be done correctly and to answer your query about whether your old floss can be used, I recomm...  Read Full »

Can I use one year old dental floss for cleaning my teeth?

Query: Hi, I went to a dentist one year back for scaling, and I was suggested to use dental floss. So I tried using it for a week and then discontinued it. Now I have tooth sensitivity (whole mouth and all teeth) while eating icecreams and hot drinks, so I think of using dental floss regularly as suggested...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Old dental floss can be used, but it depends on the embrasures or contacts between your teeth. I request you share a clinical picture of either front or back teeth. Dental floss does not cause any sensitivity unless some overzealous work...  Read Full »

I have bad breath even after brushing my teeth and tongue and using mouthwash. Why?

Query: Hi doctor, My breath has been smelling bad even after brushing my teeth and tongue and using mouthwash.What to do?  Read Full »


Dr. Rakshana Devi M

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for approaching icliniq.com. I saw your query. I will help you solve the issue. Bad breath may be due to many reasons like calculus, food deposits in wisdom teeth, dental caries, gastric diseases, gastric ulcers, and many more. I advise you to do scaling...  Read Full »

I am highly conscious of my oral health. So please guide me on how to use flossing properly.

Query: Hi doctor, I am new to flossing. Can you brief me on how to use it, frequency, method, best brand, etc.? I already brush twice daily and rinse my mouth after that with a mouth rinse. But already afraid to floss, fearing it would cut my gums if I did not use it the right way. The doctor guided me on ...  Read Full »


Dr. Bhargav Reddy Gutha

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Upon review, these were the findings- a) Dental floss use. b) Mouthrinse use. Elaborately these are to be done for-. a) Dental floss is used to clean interdental areas below the contact point and gingival papilla. b) Mouthrinse should not be used continuously for more tha...  Read Full »

My dentist recommended flossing for my bleeding gums. Should I do it?

Query: Hello doctor, I went to the dental clinic to clean my tooth as I had plaque and bleeding gums. After the treatment, the doctor prescribed me a mouthwash and dental floss. I would like to know if flossing is absolutely necessary every day. Do all the people in the world use dental floss? What are the...  Read Full »


Dr. Rakshana Devi M

Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.The scaling procedure usually ends with oral hygiene instructions, including proper ways of brushing using an interdental brush, flossing, and using a mouthwash. It is not compulsory to use dental floss, but it is necessary in case of crowded teeth because the food parti...  Read Full »

What is the best way of keeping the teeth healthy?

Query: Hello doctor, What is the best way of keeping my teeth healthy?  Read Full »


Dr. Sandeep Menon

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Prevention is always better than cure. Follow simple habits from a young age like brushing your teeth twice daily. Using mouthwashes and floss provides an added advantage. Try to avoid sticky foods as far as possible. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal. Per...  Read Full »

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