There are varying types of floss and tips for flossing, and there is no standard way that is best for everyone. In fact, there is no rule that states you cannot have more than one type of dental floss product in your home.
Each serves its own purpose. For example, dental tape is a great tool to carry about, as it provides a way to floss whenever the need arises. On the other hand, an electric flosser is something that is best kept in the home.
Finding the right types of floss and tips for flossing
As with many things in life, it sometimes takes a little bit of trial and error for people to figure out what works best for them. With so many different products to choose from, making a choice can be overwhelming.
The reality is, the type of floss a person chooses is not really that important. What matters is actually flossing at least once each day.
Research conducted by the Journal of Clinical Dentistry indicates that an electric flosser is no safer or more effective than standard types of floss and tips for flossing. What differentiates the various devices used to clean the tight crevices around a person's teeth is how comfortable the process is.
Older people are more likely to have problems manipulating their fingers to floss their teeth, so they could benefit from an electric flosser that does all the work for them. Older children and teenagers tend to find electric flossers to be more fun, and that is something parents should consider if they are still trying to instill proper dental hygiene habits in their children.
Dentists recommend starting young kids off with regular flossers, but as they grow older, they should be allowed to transition to an electric flosser if that is their preference.
Dentists are here to help
When looking for the right floss to use, it is often a good idea to talk to a dentist. Dentists have extensive knowledge about the different issues each type of floss is best for, and that can simplify the decision-making process.
Here are a few things dentists are likely to tell their patients:
- Dental tape is great for those with large gaps between their teeth
- Wax floss slides into tight spaces easily
- Spongy floss is great for people with dental prosthetics like braces and bridges
- Floss picks are sometimes easier to use than regular floss
When it comes to dental floss, the most important part is getting it done each day. While many assume brushing alone is enough to keep teeth decay free, the truth is that it is not. Leaving plaque on the sides of a tooth and only cleaning the back, front and biting surface still leaves it vulnerable to decay.
Contact one of our dentists to learn more about picking the right dental floss.
Here’s what you need …
Call (610) 844-9825 today to reach Muhlenberg Dental Associates.
Recent Posts
Thinking you need to do something about your bad breath? There are different levels of having bad breath and many different reasons for its cause, from eating certain foods to possibly having cancer. This makes it necessary to understand the cause for your own halitosis. Ready to learn more?Talking to a dentist about your bad breath…
It is important to protect your teeth from damage and ensure that there are not any serious oral health concerns that develop as a result of poor oral hygiene. By understanding how to properly protect your teeth and make them stronger, you can ensure you keep a healthy, beautiful smile at all times.Tooth enamel is…
Many medications have negative impacts on your dental health. Aside from prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements can cause dental issues such as inflamed gums, dry mouth, taste changes, and bone loss.Saliva helps clean your mouth, but when its flow is changed, and your mouth gets dry, gum infections and tooth decay…
Picking a toothbrush and toothpaste is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing at least twice a day is one of the most important things a person can do to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Of course, brushing becomes even more effective when…