You’ve been told since you were a little kid that there are two ways to protect yourself from cavities: brushing and flossing your teeth. And although you may know it’s the right thing to do, do you know why brushing alone just isn’t enough? This article will discuss both the importance of flossing and the different types of flossing options out there. Read on to learn more.
Why Is It So Necessary?
Brushing your teeth is the best way to get rid of plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth throughout the day. But if brushing is so good at keeping your teeth clean, why do you have to floss as well? When you eat, drink, and even brush, food particles and bacteria get caught in between each and every one of your teeth. Luckily, with dental floss you can get everything out from in between your teeth to stay as healthy as possible.
Types of Floss
If you walk down the toothpaste aisle at your grocery store, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by all of the different flossing options you have to choose from. Specifically, you have traditional unwaxed floss, waxed floss, flossers, and water flossers.
Unwaxed Floss
Made primarily from either Teflon or nylon, unwaxed dental floss is best used for individuals who either have significant gaps between their teeth or who are avid flossers.
Waxed Floss
If you are just getting into flossing or if you just like an extra layer of comfort, chose waxed dental floss. The wax on the floss adds an extra layer of comfort so that the floss more easily glides in between your teeth.
Flossers
Primarily popular amongst children, flossers make the entire process a lot easier. By having a small piece of floss attached to a handheld flossing device, flossers are a fast, easy, and disposable way of getting your teeth especially clean.
Water Flosser
If you have braces or if you hate traditional dental floss, consider getting a water flosser. By using pressurized water to get out trapped food, plaque, and tartar out from your teeth, water flossers are popular amongst patients of all ages.
As you know, flossing your teeth is one of the best ways to ensure that your mouth stays healthy and cavity-free. To learn more about dental tips or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Nazila Bidabadi at Soft Touch Dentistry today!
