general dental
Flossing: the Different Types of Flossing Tools and When to Use Them

Flossing: the Different Types of Flossing Tools and When to Use Them

Flossing: The Different Types of Flossing Tools and When to Use Them

One of the best ways to take care of your teeth is by flossing them. A floss is used to remove food particles and plaque that gets stuck in between your teeth. Neglecting your oral health can lead to a build-up of plaque and you can become susceptible to several gum diseases and dental health problems. Flossing on a regular basis improves oral hygiene and protects your gums and tissues from becoming painful or sensitive.

One thing you need to be careful about is that if you’re flossing for the first time, there is a good chance that your gums will bleed. Therefore, try to use the right type of flossing tools in order to protect your teeth from cavities. Some of the main types of floss are as follows:

Regular floss
Regular floss is a traditional string floss which comes in a variety of types such as waxed floss, mint floss and so on. There is no such difference in using different kinds of regular floss, the only factor that determines the effectiveness is the flossing technique used.

Flavored Floss
Many people prefer mint floss because it makes flossing more fun and pleasant. Flavored floss also makes it easy to get children on board with the idea of flossing due to the fun flavors.

Floss picks
Floss picks are gaining popularity due to the fact that they are very convenient and easy to use. You can easily use them with one hand and not have to worry about hurting your fingers with the string or finding the perfect angle to floss.

Oral Irrigators
These are also commonly known as dental water jets and use a stream of high-pressure water to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth. This is a new form of flossing that also improves gingival health. There is a water reservoir in the machine which is connected to a device similar to a toothbrush. It only takes a few minutes to use oral irrigators for effective flossing and cleaning. This is an innovative approach and more effective than traditional flossing techniques.

These are mostly used by people with braces who have trouble brushing and flossing. Oral irrigators can remove 99.9% of plaque if used properly. They can easily reach areas where bacteria accumulates between teeth and below the gum line. However, these are more costly compared to other flossing alternatives, but are definitely worth it.

AirFloss
The Air floss uses air combined with small microdroplets of water to remove plaque, bad bacteria and the buildup of food from between teeth. These use microburst technology with most of the power centering on intermittent bursts of air. The best thing about Air floss is that it only uses a teaspoon of water, thus preventing water wastage. If you’re among those people who are always short on time and looking for a quick way to clean your teeth, then AirFloss is the best option for you. This can clean your teeth within a minute at the push of a button.  The fact that it takes up less space and is cordless also makes it very convenient for many users.

Many dentists still recommend the use of regular floss as opposed to the other new and innovative tools now available for flossing. For example, string floss removes plaque effectively and there is no technology that can beat that. People with braces or sensitive teeth prefer Air floss or oral irrigators due to ease and convenience, but the choice varies among individuals.

The important thing to remember is that oral health should not be taken for granted. You can get in touch with El Monte Dentist and Angel Dental of El Monte, CA. to learn more about flossing tools or book an appointment for a routine dental checkup.

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