Flossing is an important part of your dental hygiene you shouldn’t skip. It gets rid of bacteria between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. You’ll be able to lower your risk of oral health issues like gum disease and cavities by doing this simple step. That said, should you use traditional floss or water flossers? Here’s a guide to help you decide which would be best for your grin.
How Is Traditional Floss?
Dental floss is the tried-and-true method to clean between your teeth. This thread is designed to get into these spaces and clear out plaque and debris. Better yet, it’s compact, making it a great option to throw in your pocket or bag. By using it consistently and correctly, you can prevent decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
That said, it can be hard to hold for some patients. Not only that, using it with restorations like braces or certain restorations like bridges can be tricky. Because of this, many people tend to skip this step entirely. You can also be too aggressive with it and irritate your gums.
What’s the Appeal to Water Flossers?
Water flossers jet out a steady stream of pulsating water to clear food particles and bacteria. They are effective at preventing oral health issues, and you may find it easier to get into hard-to-reach places. That means this tool can be great for those with braces, bridges, or who have limited dexterity.
However, many of these products are battery-powered or need a spare outlet. That means they aren’t the best to use on the go while also being more costly and messy if you aren’t careful.
So, Is Traditional Floss or a Water Flosser Better?
Traditional floss and a water flosser can be great in their own right. Both are effective when used properly, but they do have their own pros and cons you should consider. Simply put, finding out which one is right for you depends on your lifestyle. If you don’t want to spend too much money up front and can use dental floss, then that’s great. There’s no need to switch! If you struggle with the thread, then a water flosser can be an effective, convenient choice.
In the end, whichever one encourages you to do this habit can be the better choice. That way, you are a step closer to keeping your smile in great shape.
About the Practice
Want to protect your teeth and gums? Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts is dedicated to helping patients in Dyer avoid oral health issues with a wide range of treatments and preventive care. Led by Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Mallek Nahhas, we spot issues while they are minor and give you effective solutions for them. If you need help solidifying your dental hygiene routine, schedule an appointment or call our office at 219-322-3418.