While flossing is an incredibly important part of dental health, it is estimated that only four out of ten Americans actually floss and 20% do not floss at all. It can be a more time-consuming method of oral hygiene and for some can cause a small amount of discomfort, but it also has many benefits. In addition to traditional flossing, there are also several additional ways to ensure you are flossing enough.
Also referred to as flosser picks, these plastic toothpicks are a replacement for wooden ones as a way to dislodge small pieces of food. The opposite end forms a p-shape which holds a small piece of floss pre-threaded on the other end. The handle makes it easy to hold, and the versatile edges are ideal for a variety of problems.
These disposable picks have soft bristles to remove plaque and massage the gums. They have a rounded handle and are typically able to be bent in order to get into hard to reach places. They work ideally with braces, bridgework, and dental implants.
A pulsating stream of water is used to cleanse the area between teeth. The speed settings help you get to a powerful level that can remove teeth debris but is also gentle on the gums too. Some models will have a water reservoir tip, and some can hook right to the faucet.
These newer appliances offer an alternative to traditional oral irrigators. They use micro-droplets of air with liquid to clean between teeth and near gums. Their smaller size and ease of travel makes them an alternative to oral irrigators for many people.
At the end of the day, regular flossing is what counts. Whichever method works the best for you… stick with it and keep those teeth clean!