Flossing our teeth is an incredibly important step in our oral health routines and should never be skipped, and there are a number of tools available to help us. Here, our Langley and Surrey dentists explain the importance of flossing and the different types of tools available to help make flossing successful.
One thing that happens all day every day is that particles of food get stuck in our teeth. Some are large enough to see while others are not but the reality is that they are there either way and must be cleaned away.
While your toothbrush is able to reach the visible surfaces of your teeth it is unable to get into the dark crevices between them, this is where flossing becomes very important in order to remove build-up and prevent conditions like cavities and gum disease.
There are various types of floss and flossing tools available on the market today. Here, our Langley and Surrey dentists share some of the various types of floss and flossing tools available for this important oral hygiene practice.
Regular Floss
Whether it's waxed or unwaxed, the effectiveness of a traditional spool of dental floss is determined by your flossing technique.
To start, you should gather about 18 inches of floss and wind it around your fingers. Then, slide the floss gently up and down between your teeth. Move the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, and be sure to go below your gum line.
If used correctly, regular floss will be able to remove a large amount of the bacteria between your teeth, where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
Floss Picks
Floss picks hold the floss for you, so you only have to use one hand. While being able to floss with a single hand may be easier it is not as effective as regular floss.
Floss picks do not allow you to reach all the angles that regular floss can so you won’t be able to clean your teeth as thoroughly.
Regular floss is recommended, but floss picks are better than nothing for your oral health.
Waterpik Flossing
The Waterpik Water Flosser is a clever device that uses a stream of pressurized water to "floss" your teeth and gums.
Using the Waterpik device is simple as you simply direct the flosser tip along the gum line and allow the water to remove any plaque and food particles for you.
Flossing using the Waterpik Water Flosser can also help to reach difficult areas and make flossing easier for those that have braces or any forms of dental work.
When to Floss
While it is important to floss frequently and consistently, it is entirely possible to floss too much and cause irritation to your gums.
Flossing is recommended to occur once daily along with twice-daily tooth brushing.