Using Super Floss

For thorough and effective cleaning we may sometimes require additional devices as brushing with a conventional brush is not adequate.

Remember that interdental spaces account for roughly 30% of the dental surfaces to be cleaned, which is an area to be reckoned with. Interdental spaces also include the gum edge which borders the teeth and the cleaning of which is essential. Interdental spaces and interdental gum edges should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a day (preferably in the evening). In such areas bacteria may easily accumulate and propagate leading to dental caries and gum inflammation (gingivitis) and inflammation around the implants (periimplantitis). Food remains sticking under the bridges result in foul breath aka halitosis.

Bridge is a tooth replacement containing multiple crowns retained by preparation teeth (our filed-down natural teeth) serving as abutment teeth, or implants. With bridges, the surface of the so-called pontic facing the gum is very difficult to clean. With bridge replacements and orthodontic devices, a conventional dental floss is not applicable due to the single-block architecture of the bridge or the retention arch of the orthodontic device. To clean these areas a special dental floss called the Super Floss is indicated.

The package of the Super floss dental floss (image credit: internet)

The package of the Super floss contains 50 pre-cut dental flosses, each having three parts:

1. The upper part of the Super floss resembles a 10 cm long, strong plastic line with the aid of which the dental floss can be guided beneath the pontic and between the teeth. This is the end that needs to be introduced between the teeth and underneath the replacement tooth.
2. The cleaning section of the Super floss is made of a thicker, spongy material with which the retainers and the underside of pontics bridging the edentulous area, that is, difficult-to-access areas can be cleaned.
3. The third section is plain dental floss, and is to be used accordingly.

In what cases can Super floss be used?

• Super floss is mostly used for cleaning fixed replacement teeth (crowns, bridges). At the junction of the crown and the gums, plaque deposits and different bacteria build up in much the same way as they do in interdental spaces or beneath freestanding pontics. These areas therefore require great attention to prevent the formation of gum inflammation or dental caries due to lack of adequate cleaning.

Flossing the crowns with Super floss

• The cleaning of dental implants with Super floss. The lifespan of the implants depends greatly on our oral care routines. Implants whose cleaning was neglected may well be lost in a short timespan due to inflammation (periimplantitis).

The cleaning of an implant-retained bridge with Super floss (image credit: internet)

• The cleaning of implant bars

• The cleaning of fixed orthodontic devices.

• The cleaning of retention arches cemented in place following an orthodontic treatment.

• It stands in good stead for cleaning interdental areas and the gum edge, in the event of periodontitis, following the splinting of teeth.

Initially Super floss feels unwieldy and may take time to master, but bear with yourself. You may at first experience gum bleeding which may be the result of wrong oral care techniques, tartar or gingivitis. Such bleeding will likely resolve following tartar removal and regular dental flossing. Often, patients are frightened of gingival bleeding and dare not continue to clean their teeth with the appropriate devices. By stopping oral care, we cause way more damage since any existing inflammation may spread and treatment becomes more complicated.

The cleaning of a screw-retained bridge anchored on two lower implants with Super floss

Remember to report for annual dental check-ups. Our oral cavity does not merely house our teeth but also a complex masticatory system which equally involves the gum, oral mucosa, the jawbones, the masticatory muscles and the tongue. Sadly, not only our teeth may decay but a number of other diseases may also present themselves in the oral cavity, and symptoms originating in other organs may also appear here. Dental check-ups and radiography are crucial and simple measures of the prevention, screening and the timely diagnosis of severe ailments.

Annual professional tartar removal and dental check-up are indicated even in the event of:

• sound teeth

• wisdom teeth having been removed or never having erupted

• no replacement teeth whatsoever

• the amount of tartar being extremely low

• all teeth having been removed and replaced by a full-arch overdenture

Biannual dental check-up and professional tartar removal are indicated in the event of:

• existing, or suspected periodontal disease

• post implant surgery

• fixed or removable replacement teeth

• crowded teeth

• orthodontic devices

• heavy smoking

• heavy alcohol consumption

• tumour patients

• diabetic patients

• cardiological disease

• psychiatric patients (under medical treatment)

• frequent gingival bleeding

• chronic diseases

• osteoporosis

Smokers are at higher risk for the formation of oral diseases, periodontal disease and tumours than non-smokers are. Smoking greatly contributes to vasoconstriction, adversely affecting the blood supply of the gums and hindering the delivery of appropriate nutrients and vitamins to the tissues of the oral cavity. With smoking, the long-term success of implants and bone grafts is highly compromised! The only viable solution is quitting, which is not only crucially important for your teeth but also for the whole body (lungs, heart, brain, veins, etc.). Be strong, and brace yourself to quit smoking even by joining a smoking cessation programme, if needs be. Regular professional tartar removal and dental check-ups are of marked importance for smokers!