Flossing vs. Water Flossing
September 30, 2021 8:32 pm |These days, you have more options than ever when it comes to the products you purchase. Instead of simply buying a toothbrush, it’s up to you to decide whether you want a manual one or an electric one, soft bristles or firm bristles. If you want to pick up some toothpaste, you’ll have a sea of options on the shelves at your local store between various brands and various target purposes like whitening or cavity fighting.
When it comes to flossing, you also have a choice. You can go for the traditional dental floss or dental thread option, or you can opt for water flossing. Let’s break down the differences here to help you figure out which might be right for you.
Traditional Flossing 101
Traditional flossing is when you use a piece of dental floss or string to manually remove any food debris that may be hanging out in the spaces between your teeth or around your gums. When using traditional floss, it’s important to use the proper technique so that you’re cleaning around the full side of your teeth and around the gum line.
A benefit of traditional flossing is that it’s easy to pack some floss wherever you’re headed. One drawback is that if you aren’t flossing properly or are too forceful in your technique, you may cause your gums to bleed.
Water Flossing 101
Water flossing is another way to remove debris from between your teeth but it uses an entirely different method. A water flosser is a hand-held tool that shoots out a stream of water, and effectively pushes out the debris that’s stuck between teeth.
Water flossers are a good option for people who have difficulty handling traditional floss or who need to maneuver around dental work like braces. Plus, they’re popular with people who want to create less waste. On the flip side, water flossers are bulkier and not as portable.
Still need some help deciding the right flossing method for your smile? Contact us at Vista Ridge Family Dentistry! Our team is happy to provide personalized recommendations for what kinds of dental products to use, and the right technique for using them, so you can keep your smile in tip-top shape. We’re also here for all your other dental needs with our wide array of smile services.
Categorised in: Blog, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene