You already know the importance of brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. On top of that, you probably look for the best tooth pastes and toothbrushes for your teeth, but what about flossing? Have you considered alternatives to traditional flossing? As someone who is concerned about good dental hygiene, you might be curious about water flossing.
Flossing is important for getting rid of the hidden food particles and plaque that lie between your teeth too far for your toothbrush to reach. If you don’t floss regularly you are more likely to have more plaque build up and cavities. In the long run, these seemingly small issues can lead to gum disease which can have a serious impact on your overall health.
So now that you know the importance of cleaning between your teeth, should you use water flossing or traditional flossing with a string? Consulting your dentist is important, but before you do that, read about the pros and cons of using each.
Water Flossing
Water flossers clean food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between the teeth and below the gum line by using a pressurized stream of water. This can be especially helpful if you have dental implants, crowns, a bridge, or braces. It is also much easier than regular flossing for someone who has arthritis.
A water flosser can easily help you clean hard to reach areas and the tight spaces between your teeth. If you neglect certain areas of your mouth because they are hard to reach, you leave your mouth vulnerable to bacteria growth that can cause cavities and periodontal diseases. Flossing effectively also helps to keep your breath fresh.
A water flosser makes the entire flossing process easier, but there are a few downsides. This method can be much messier than simple traditional dental floss. It also may not remove all of the plaque between your teeth if it isn’t used properly. Lastly, a water flosser is more expensive than string floss.
Traditional Flossing
This simple method of flossing is available in precut plastic holders referred to as dental picks and the traditional long strands of floss. Simple floss is enough to help you clean your teeth and easily control the flosses process. The string can remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles each day preventing cavities and other problems.
This method is very easy to control so you can be sure that you clean each tooth in its entirety.
Of course, there are downsides to this traditional method of flossing. While it is possible to reach all areas of your mouth, you may struggle to reach the back of your mouth and as a result miss a few teeth. Plus, if you floss too forcefully or too close to the gum line, your gums may bleed which is uncomfortable.
Regardless of whether you choose traditional floss or a water flosser, you should be sure to floss everyday to protect yourself from gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re interested in learning more about flossing and the best method for you, call our office to make an appointment today. Our dentist offices are located in Miami, Florida and Plantation, Florida for your convenience.