Advice on dental plaque and gum disease
'Flossing is a vital part of a good oral health routine and has been linked with reducing heart disease.
It should be done once a day before brushing. However it is very important to be gentle, even when using proper dental floss, as jerking or snapping the floss into the gums can damage the gum tissue. The best thing to dislodge food from between the teeth is interdental wood sticks, as these are shaped specifically for this purpose. However, cocktail sticks are not, and should be avoided.'
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation
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