Fun Floss Facts, Part 4.

The WaterPik Power Flosser FLA-220 uses a mint-coated tip that is of adequate length, to place between teeth, and oscillates 10,000 times per minute to clean and whiten areas between the teeth and gums.

The Bryton Pick, available at brytonpick.com, is a super thin, flexible, germ-resistant, stainless steel insert that is vertically placed between the teeth to remove dental plaque. It can be reused for up to thirty days.

Floss threaders are large, soft plastic needles through which floss can be strung and the used to clean under fixed bridges, fixed retainers, and between braces.

Dessert Essence coats its floss with extracts from the same tree, the Melaleuca alternifolia tree (over 200 species),that some Australian Aborigines used for centuries. It contains dozens of beneficial compounds, and is the source of tea tree oil, which is revered by many people around the world. The oils are said to have anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

In 1994, enough floss, almost three million miles of it, was purchased by the public, which is more than enough to encircle the Earth at the equator more than one hundred times!

Battery-operated power flossers can help clean the teeth and can be useful to people with limited manual dexterity skills (children and the elderly).

Teflon is added to floss to help make it pass easily through the contacts between teeth.

Dental floss should not to be reused because the bacteria removed from the mouth can remain on the floss and reinfect the mouth.

A controversial chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, is employed in the process of making Teflon.

Your dentist and hygienist can show you the best way to clean between your teeth according to the specific conditions and architecture of your mouth.

U-shaped and F-shaped dental wands, and ergonomic flossers, some with swiveling heads, are available to floss easier. Some of these have floss dispensers built into them.

May you have many…I’m all tied up like a gift, surfing on a strand, no flosswhipping … smiles!