Is flossing a thing you enjoy doing?
There are two camps of people; those who enjoy flossing, and those who think it is a chore to floss. We are inspired by those who religiously floss to keep their smile super healthy. Flossing might not always be the enjoyable thing to do, but it certainly is on the list of people who enjoys a healthy smile. If you are in the camp of no flossing, read on to learn about alternative options to traditional floss.
Why flossing is important
After you eat a meal, tiny pieces of food can get stuck in between your teeth. Even though your saliva does a good job at rinsing food debris and drinking water to cleanse your mouth. Some residual food can stay stuck on your teeth and gums. Brushing cannot always remove these tiny food particles that is stuck between the teeth. To help remove food debris, flossing is the best option over using a tooth pick. Floss is made with wax that helps guide the floss string in between the teeth to easily remove plaque and food debris. Everyone should brush for two minutes and twice a day or when food is stuck between teeth. If you do not consistently remove food buildup and plaque between the teeth, this can lead to bigger problems that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing alternatives
Today there are many more alternatives to flossing. It does not matter what you use to floss, what is important is that you floss with the appropriate devices. Flossing with these alternative options can still get the job done like traditional floss.
Interdental brushes
Interdental brushes are like tiny toothbrushes design to clean between your teeth. These brushes are great alternative to flossing. Interdental brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to make flossing between teeth efficient. These brushes are easier to use than a thread of floss and is equally effective as floss. If you have braces, flossing with dental floss might not be an option, which makes interdental floss the best choice.
Dental pick
Dental picks are designed specifically for efficient removal of food debris between teeth. Unlike wooden toothpick, dental picks are made of plastic and will leave any debris between teeth. Dental picks are not as effective as floss since picks cannot get in between tight spaces.
Pre-threaded floss
Pre-threaded floss is a good alternative to dental picks. For some people, the hardest part of flossing is reaching the floss into the mouth and effectively moving it between the teeth. Using pre-threaded floss to reach inside your mouth more easily makes flossing more enjoyable and is effective as using floss.
Water flossing
Using water flossing device is a great alternative. Water flossing devices use a stream of water to clear away plaque and food debris between teeth. These devices can be expensive compared to using thread flossing. If flossing is physically challenging, a handheld water floss can make flossing more comfortable.
Brushing and flossing is good oral hygiene practice. In addition to flossing, remember to schedule your next cleaning with your dentist for a professional cleaning twice a year. Some plaque and tartar build up cannot easily be remove using floss or brushing. Professional deep cleaning can remove plaque and tarter more effectively. For your next appointment, give California Dental Group a call at (800) 407-0161.
