{"id":3847,"date":"2017-10-21T14:52:23","date_gmt":"2017-10-21T14:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zestmag.com\/online\/?p=3847"},"modified":"2017-10-21T14:52:23","modified_gmt":"2017-10-21T14:52:23","slug":"flossing-with-fingernails-folded-paper-and-hair-ewww-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/zestmag.com\/online\/flossing-with-fingernails-folded-paper-and-hair-ewww-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Flossing with fingernails, folded paper and hair – Ewww, why?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you’ve ever needed a quick fix for a stealthy piece of spinach stuck in your smile, you’re probably not alone. According to new results from a survey conducted by Ipsos in the US, most people say they have used common ‘unusual items’ including fingernails (61%), folded paper or cards (40%), cutlery (21%, fork, knife, or spoon), safety pins (14%) and even strands of hair (7%)\u00a0 to remove food stuck between their teeth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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IMAGE FROM PIXABAY.COM<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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And these objects are turning grins into grimaces. Nearly two-thirds of surveyed adults (63%) also admit they know better than to be using these objects in comparison to dental picks, floss or water flossing tools and two in five (42%) say they’ve felt pain as a result of removing something stuck in their teeth with an unusual item.<\/p>\n

Dr. Brittany Seymour<\/a>, an ADA spokesperson and Assistant Professor at\u00a0Harvard School of Dental Medicine<\/span>, says, “It’s really easy to use clean and safe items on-the-go and at home \u2013 like string floss, dental picks and water flossers. The key is finding what works best for you to stick with every day. If you’re not sure, start by looking for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That way, you know it’s safe for your teeth and will get the job done, removing germs rather than introducing them!”<\/p>\n

Brushing only reaches the surfaces of your teeth that you can see. However, there is a lot of tooth surface that lies in between where teeth touch \u2013 and a brush can’t reach.\u00a0 The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between the teeth daily to remove food debris that can cause plaque build-up that can lead to dental decay, not to mention everyday issues like gum sensitivity and bad breath. Additionally, issues in your mouth may impact other health problems you might be experiencing, like diabetes, heart disease, or pregnancy complications. Cleaning between your teeth is important. Yet, only 16% of adults surveyed report they always floss once a day, if not more.<\/p>\n