Flossing is the best way to promote healthy gums and prevent gum disease. We’ve all heard it before. It removes plaque, reduces bleeding, removes trapped food and prevents cavities. But what if you hate flossing or are physically unable? There are many great alternatives to try.
Dental Floss – sometimes you just need to find the right floss for you. Floss comes in waxed and unwaxed, Polytetrafluoroethylene (one example of this is Glide) and is great for tightly spaced teeth, Dental Tape which is broader and flatter than traditional floss, Super Floss is yarnlike with stiffer portions on the end.
Floss Picks and Soft Picks are great alternatives to clean around the teeth and under the gums and are widely available. We can provide you with a sample to try at your next cleaning.
Waterpiks, available in countertop and cordless versions, use water pressure to remove plaque and trapped food and to help flush out the area between your teeth and gums. Waterpiks are also a great option for people with braces, implants or bridges to get into areas that floss can’t reach. They work well for people with dexterity issues.
Individuals that are consistent with any version of devices to clean between the teeth are those that maintain the healthiest tissue, with very little to no bleeding. Studies show that nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease, and nearly two-thirds of those age 60 and above suffer from moderate to severe periodontal disease.
The key is to find something you are willing to use. There is no single product that works for all; if you don’t like it, you won’t use it.
