Dislike flossing? – Five Alternatives to Flossing
In our world, there are two types of people: those who floss and those who don’t. Those of us who know or live with diligent flossers are inspired by them. Read more about why flossing is so essential and what options you have if you don’t like conventional floss below. While flossing may not be a true virtue, it certainly ranks highly among the characteristics of individuals who “have it together.”
The Reason to Floss
After you eat, there are little food fragments all over your mouth. Even though your saliva performs an excellent job of washing away a lot of food particles, some remain caught on your teeth and gums and need to be removed with brushing and flossing. You do have a tonne of natural bacteria in your mouth that aid in breaking down food debris, but these bacteria also produce plaque, a sticky film that has to be removed from your teeth.
Everyone should floss once daily and brush for two minutes twice a day to eliminate food buildup and plaque from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. This recommendation applies to young children as well. If you don’t keep up with it, food accumulation and plaque can soon grow into major issues that result in tooth decay, gum disease, and oral irritation.
Flossing Substitutes
No matter if you floss in the morning or at night, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is important to do so. The most crucial thing is that you carry it out.
But what if you find it challenging to floss the conventional way, you’re on the go, or you wear braces? The ADA has approved a few of your possibilities, which is fortunate.
Here are various flossing substitutes and some of their benefits:
- Interdental Brushes: These brushes, which resemble small toothbrushes made specifically to clean in between your teeth, are a perfect substitute for flossing. Interdental brushes are generally your best option if you have braces because they are typically simpler to use than a thread of floss and are equally as effective.
The ADA has approved water flossing as a floss substitute, and it is exactly what it sounds like. Water flossing removes plaque by directing a constant spray of water between the teeth rather than a thread. You may find that using water floss involves using a smaller, hand-held device that is more physically comfortable for you.
- Dental Picks: These little sticks, which are either made of plastic or wood, can help remove plaque from your teeth and gums. The ADA advises soaking a wooden pick in water to soften it before using it. Picks aren’t quite as efficient as floss, and unless you use a fresh pick for every tooth, you run the danger of spreading bacteria in your mouth.
- Pre-Threaded Floss: For some individuals, getting the floss into the mouth and successfully sliding it between the teeth is the most difficult element of flossing. Thankfully, the straightforward solution to this issue is a pre-threaded flosser. These come in packages that may be used with one hand. To access your mouth more readily, use pre-threaded floss, and like ordinary floss, discard it after each use.
GUM® Soft-Picks are a favorite among dentists and resemble a cross between an interdental brush and a dental pick. Small, disposable plastic picks called “Soft-Picks” fit easily between teeth and cause the least amount of gum tissue damage due to their soft tip and rubbery bristles.
A word regarding mouthwash: while it is a terrific alternative for freshness and does help eliminate the germs that cause decay and gum disease in the remainder of the mouth, brushing and flossing are still recommended. For optimal dental health, mouthwash should be used in conjunction with these techniques.
Your Health & Flossing
Good dental hygiene and wellness start with everyday brushing and flossing. Keep in mind to schedule expert cleanings with your dentist twice a year. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove certain plaque and buildup. Additionally, preventive dental care has a big impact on your general health, and going to the dentist is just as crucial as going to the doctor!