We all know that using dental floss is essential for oral health, but sometimes it’s just not possible to use regular floss. Whether you’re on the go and don’t have access to water or don’t like the taste or feel of dental floss, there are other ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy besides traditional floss. Fortunately, some interdental cleaning aids are alternatives to dental floss that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
In this article, we’ll discuss three flossing alternatives recommended by many dentists to help you floss between your teeth to get the most out of your oral health routine:
Why is Flossing Your Teeth Important
Flossing your teeth is an integral part of dental health. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where brushing alone cannot reach. In addition, flossing helps to stimulate the gum tissue and prevent gum inflammation, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, so it is essential to keep your gums healthy. For best results, floss your teeth at least once daily with dental tape. If you find flossing difficult, there are a number of floss alternative products on the market that can help you with removing plaque and food debris from your tooth surfaces, including pre-strung flossers and water flossers. Still, they may not be as effective as regular flossing.
While it may seem like an extra step in your daily routine, proper flossing is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding oral disease. So make sure to add it to your brushing regimen – your teeth will thank you! By taking care of your teeth, you can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health, which can affect a person’s overall health dramatically.
Alternatives to Regular Flossing
If you’re unable to floss regularly, a few different interdental cleaning aids are recommended as flossing alternatives that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy in the place of regular floss.
Water Flossers
Many people do not like to floss their teeth. Some people find it difficult to reach all of their teeth dental with floss; others simply don’t like the taste or texture of dental floss. And still, others find that flossing exacerbates existing gum problems. If you are one of these people, you may be wondering what your options are for keeping your teeth and gums healthy without flossing your teeth with regular dental tape. One popular alternative to flossing is using a water flosser or water pick (sometimes referred to as an “electric flosser.”
Water picks use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. These floss picks are easy to use and can be found at most drugstores. Water flossers can be a great option if you have braces or other dental hardware that makes traditional flossing difficult.
To use a water flosser, fill the reservoir with water and aim the flosser’s tip at your teeth. Use gentle pressure to keep the stream of water directed between your teeth and along your gum line. Rinse your mouth with water after using the water flosser on your last tooth to remove any plaque and other residues.
Interdental Brushes
Another alternative to flossing is using interdental brushes when cleaning between your teeth. Interdental brushes are small, cylindrical brushes that you insert between your teeth to remove plaque, debris, and bacteria and prevent cavities and tooth decay. They’re easy to keep with you and are one of the best flossing alternatives for when you’re on the go and don’t have time to stop and floss your teeth. They can also be great if you have large spaces between your teeth or braces. Interdental brushes are available in different sizes. Be sure to choose one appropriate for the width of the spaces between your teeth, so they fit comfortably.
To use an interdental brush, hold the tool between your thumbs and index fingers or middle fingers, insert the brush between your teeth and gently move it back and forth to remove plaque and food particles—clean one tooth at a time. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after using an interdental brush to remove any residue.
Dental Picks
Another great option for on-the-go dental picks are a great alternative to traditional flossing. Dental picks look like small toothbrushes but have a pointed end designed to get into tight spaces between your teeth. Dental picks are available in different sizes, so be sure to choose one appropriate for the width of the spaces between your teeth. These are an excellent alternative for people who hate flossing due to dexterity issues, as it may be hard for them to use regular floss. They are also fantastic for those with braces, as they can quickly get into tight spaces that a toothbrush can’t reach because of their size and shape.
To use a dental pick, hold the tool between your thumbs and index fingers or middle fingers, insert the pointed pick between your teeth and gently move it back and forth to floss away plaque and food particles. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after using a dental pick to remove any residue.
No Matter What Type of Floss You Use, It’s Important to Maintain a Proper Oral Care Routine
No matter what type of floss you choose to use, it’s essential to floss your teeth regularly. Along with brushing your teeth with a toothbrush, flossing helps remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth, reducing your risk of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and even health issues that may arise if bad oral hygiene is left untreated.
Not everyone enjoys cleaning their gumline with string floss, but thankfully there are many alternatives to traditional flossing. So if you don’t enjoy flossing your teeth, there’s no need to worry! Water flossers, interdental brushes, and dental picks are all great options for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. First, talk to your dentist or hygienist about which choice is right for you. Then, try out different options until you find one that fights bacteria and plaque well for you, your teeth, and your gumline.
Call Patient Empowered Dentistry
If you are looking for a new dentist or hygienist in the Metro Detroit area, reach out to Patient Empowered Dentistry in Eastpointe, Michigan. Our team of experienced dentists and hygienists can provide comprehensive dental care, including flossing alternatives and other services to help maintain oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
