When it comes to dental care, preventive habits are often the best practice. Brushing your teeth after every meal, going to the dentist in Bloomington, IL, and flossing daily helps keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria, preventing damaging issues like cavities or gum disease.
However, many patients hate daily flossing. Reaching the back of your mouth isn’t easy, especially for older adults, children, or people with dexterity problems. If that’s your case, here are alternatives you can explore.
The Importance of Flossing for Good Oral Health
According to the CDC, less than half of Americans floss daily, and 20% don't floss at all. Even worse, over 25% of Americans admit to lying to their dentist about how often they floss their teeth.
While flossing isn't always easy, it's an essential part of maintaining good dental health.
1. Floss Picks
These small tools have pre-threaded floss attached to a handle. Because of this, they are easier to use than string in confined spaces.
The Journal of Clinical Dentistry also reported that floss picks eliminated 5.4% more plaque than regular floss.
2. Water Flossers
Often referred to as an oral irrigator, a water flosser is an electronic device that blasts food particles and plaque away between your teeth with a thin stream of water. Due to its ease of use and ability to remove plaque, the American Dental Association (ADA) has approved it as a flossing substitute.
3. Interdental Brushes
Similar to a tiny toothbrush, this is made to clean in between your teeth. Its textured bristles help remove food particles and plaque that a regular toothbrush head would miss.
Because they can clean between brackets and wires, interdental brushes are a good choice for people wearing braces. However, because they are more difficult to use, these brushes are not the best choice if your teeth are closely spaced.
4. Silicone Floss
Another choice if you wish to stop using strings for flossing is silicone floss. These slender, elastic ropes have finger loops on both sides. Silicone floss does not fray like ordinary floss.
Silicone floss can be a great substitute for children and people with dexterity problems because it doesn't require wrapping around your fingers.
Keep Your Smile Shiny with a Dentist in Bloomington, IL
Since the late 1800s, traditional string floss has been used, and with good reason. It effectively fights gum disease, plaque buildup, and foul breath. However, depending on the type you buy, flossing can be uncomfortable and painful—especially if you don't do it frequently.
Personal preference, sustainability, and a professional's opinion may be key when choosing the best dental floss. At Smalltown Dental, we’re here to help you find the best option for oral health, so contact us today for more information!
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