Michael A. Larsen, DDS, FAGDSky Sessions, DDS, MAGD|
Rexburg, ID|
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Oral hygiene has numerous benefits for dental and oral health, and it all begins with your daily routine. We always recommend brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day. But we also recommend flossing at least once a day.
Your dental care routine is not complete without flossing. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, but dental floss can reach the contact points between your teeth where the brush can’t reach. Flossing is a crucial part of comprehensive dental care and maintaining dental health. Adding this simple practice to your routine can prevent tooth decay and other tooth and gum problems.
With so many products on the market, it can be challenging to determine which dental floss to buy. At the end of the day, the best floss to buy is the one that you will use. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the more common types of dental floss, along with some tips and tricks that will help make flossing work for you!
Wax floss is one of the most common types of floss. The wax coating makes the string slippery, helping it squeeze between your teeth easily. Our dental hygienists recommend wax floss for its ease of use and effectiveness in maintaining oral health.
This kind of floss usually comes in a small dispenser, which allows you to choose how much you need. Ideally, you should use 18 to 24 inches of floss for your daily routine. This will give you a clean portion for each tooth.
You can also purchase non-waxy floss, which works the same as wax floss but has slightly more resistance.
When using a Waterpik, try flossing with regular wax dental floss first to loosen buildup. You’ll finish by water-flossing your teeth to get a deeper clean.
Investing in water flossing is less expensive than you might think. Simply search online for a Waterpik. You’ll find a few good options, and some of them are incredibly affordable. Most Waterpiks come with several attachments and multiple settings to help ease you into the pressure. Some even have a tongue scraper attachment, which might earn you extra credit points with your dentist!
Water flossing is particularly beneficial for individuals with dental implants, as it helps maintain cleanliness around the implants and prevents complications.
Floss picks are the most convenient option. They can be used on the go and are usually double-ended tools. One end holds a toothpick, and the other has a short piece of floss. Floss picks are a simple and effective dental tool for maintaining oral hygiene while away from home.
While this method is preferable to not flossing, floss picks are not ideal. This is because you use a dirty piece of floss for most of your mouth. If you are set on this flossing tool, use it next to a sink and wash it off between each tooth.
Consistent, regular flossing has many benefits. It can prevent needless, hard-to-reach cavities, as well as other forms of tooth decay and gum disease. Building this dental habit is well worth the trouble!
Leave your flossing tool where you can see it. This practice will remind you to keep up this routine dental habit.
Choose a flossing tool that works for you. This will make the process more enjoyable and convenient. If you hate your floss, odds are, you won't use it.
Add flossing to another habit. When you shower in the morning, bring your floss with you. Multi-tasking can help you create the habit of flossing daily.
Make flossing an automated part of your day. Set a daily reminder on your phone. Each day, you will wake up to a reminder to prioritize your oral hygiene.
For more advice and tips about dental hygiene and flossing, talk to your dentist at Apple Tree Dental in Rexburg, ID. Our friendly and professional Rexburg dentists at Apple Tree Dental offer a wide range of services to ensure all your dental needs are met.
Call us today to book an appointment. We can help you pick out the perfect flossing tool and support you in building a dental care routine that works for you and your lifestyle.
