Flossing is important to maintain a clean smile and good oral health. It should be a non-negotiable in your oral hygiene routine. But what kind of flossing should you be doing? There are a few different ways to floss; one might fit your needs more than others. This blog will outline these types of flossing and the disadvantages and advantages that come with them.
Thread Floss
This is a common type of floss and technique used by dental hygienists and people in their everyday life. It’s a traditional method where a long piece of thread, held on each end, is flossed between each tooth.
Pros of Thread Floss
- Easier to Control: With regular dental floss, you can adapt and adjust the flossing technique. You can choose what length works best, how much pressure to use, and which angle is most effective to conform to your teeth.
- Inexpensive: Regular thread floss is an affordable option, making it easily fit into your essentials budget.
- Accessible: You can find thread floss at pretty much any convenience or grocery store along with other oral care products.
Cons of Thread Floss
- Harder to Reach Certain Areas: The teeth towards the back of the mouth can be hard to reach when holding floss with both hands.
- Time Consuming: Many people end up not flossing their teeth because it can be time-consuming, especially on top of brushing your teeth. If you can get used to making this a regular part of your routine, this disadvantage may not become as bothersome.
- Gum Irritation: Even when trying to be gentle, floss can irritate, especially if you have sensitive gums.
Hand-Held Floss Picks
Floss picks are similar to regular floss, but they have a set amount of floss in between two prongs and a small handle to hold onto.
Pros of Floss Picks
- Easy to Use: Floss picks are easier to use, especially for those who struggle with performing tasks with their hands. Picks make it convenient to simply hold the end instead of wrapping the floss around the fingers.
- Portable: If you need to take floss with you, picks are the easiest to choose from. They are small and compact, while the technique can allow you to conveniently do it wherever you are.
Cons of Floss Picks
- Less Hygienic: Because floss picks only have a small amount of floss, it’s harder for them to conform to your teeth. This means they won’t get as clean and may even redistribute bacteria.
- More Expensive Overtime: Because you are paying for the plastic handles on top of regular floss, picks are more expensive and may not last as long.
- Difficult to Maneuver Around Dental Work: Picks make it difficult to floss with braces, retainers, or other dental work. Unlike regular floss, picks cannot be threaded through braces to get a full and solid floss.
Water Flossers
Water flossers have grown in popularity in recent years. They use water pressure to scrub away plaque and bacteria in between your teeth.
Pros of Water Flossers
- Gentle: If you have sensitive gums, water flossers are a great way to still clean your teeth without making the gums red and irritated.
- Easy to Use: Because water flossers are less manual, they are easier to use and can get the job done more efficiently.
- Effective Around Dental Work: Because the water cleans the teeth, it’s easy to reach harder areas while having braces or retainers.
Cons of Water Flossers
- Expensive: In comparison to the other types of flossing, water flossers are more expensive. They may or may not be worth the investment, depending on what you are looking for.
- Bulky: Water flossers are a lot larger than regular floss, usually about the size of a toothbrush. This can make it difficult to transport them.
- Needs Electricity: Like electric toothbrushes, these need to be plugged in to use. This can make it hard to floss if you are anywhere without a plug-in.
Conclusion
Flossing is a crucial part of taking care of your oral health. Through discussing the different types, hopefully you will find one that fits you and your needs best. You can also contact your Idaho Falls dentist to give you recommendations on what could be most beneficial for you.
