Many have experienced the moment of truth when your dentist asks if you floss. More often than not, patients forget or avoid flossing at all costs. However, cleaning between your teeth once a day is essential for your oral health.
There are many available alternatives for people who can’t or don’t want to use standard dental floss. Flossing substitutes can be more sustainable, accessible and enjoyable than traditional floss. Dental Choice has five dental floss alternatives to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Disposable and Nondisposable Floss Picks
Floss picks are a Y-shaped flosser that you can insert between your teeth with one hand. This option is perfect for people who are on the go or prefer not to reach both hands in their mouth when flossing. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between disposable or nondisposable picks.
2. Water Flossing
One of the most popular alternatives to flossing is a water flosser. These devices use a powerful water stream to release food debris between your teeth. The pressurized water acts as an excellent flossing substitute for people with tight spaces between their teeth.
3. Airflossing
Air flossers use a combination of pressurized air and water to clean interdental spaces. This dental floss alternative provides a powerful clean with the touch of a button. Some users even put mouthwash into the device to kill bacteria and improve oral health.
4. Dental Picks
Dental picks are disposable plastic flossing alternatives. These picks often have small bristles at the head for brushing your teeth gaps. To use dental picks, insert them in each space between your teeth as you would with floss. When you finish, throw the entire pick away to prevent spreading bacteria.
5. Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are similar to dental picks — they both use small, rubbery bristles to clean your teeth. This dental floss alternative can be nondisposable if it comes with replacement heads. People with braces or mobility limitations often use these accessible flossing options.
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When patients avoid flossing, they risk gum disease and oral hygiene issues. Using a flossing substitute is significantly better than not flossing at all, so explore which option works best for you.
With locations across Calgary and Edmonton, Dental Choice strives to provide dental health care to anyone with questions or concerns. Request our services online for a free consultation about your dental health.