Did you know that toothaches, tooth decay, and abscesses are often due to poor oral hygiene? But even if you brush your teeth every day, you’re still not completely safeguarded from plaque and harmful bacteria that can cause these dental issues. Incorporating flossing into your regular routine is crucial to protect your teeth from these threats.
Flossing, according to experts, helps remove any plaque and leftover food that your toothbrush missed during brushing. Unlike brushing that generally cleans your teeth’s surfaces, flossing – particularly water flossing – goes the extra mile to clear out the tiny spaces between your teeth. This practice helps maintain clean teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath for that confidant smile you’ve always wanted.
Now, what exactly is flossing and why is it beneficial?
Flossing involves using dental floss, a thread-like material, to clean and scrape your teeth. This aims to remove plaque and food particles stuck around your teeth. Flossing should ideally be done once a day and is recommended for everyone, both adults and kids. Some of the benefits of regular flossing include:
– Prevents build-up of plaque between your teeth
– Helps prevent tooth and gum diseases like gingivitis, toothache, periodontitis, etc.
– Keeps your teeth white and healthy
– Reduces visits to the dentist for dental issues, saving you money
– Helps prevent bad breath
You might be wondering – why consider water flossing in particular?
While there’s an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of traditional flossing versus water flossing, we believe it’s about whatever method works best for an individual. Why? Simply because not everyone finds string flossing easy and some may find water flossing messy. But it’s worth noting that poorly executed string flossing could result in ineffective cleaning and possibly damage your gums.
On the other hand, water flossing doesn’t require particular skills. It’s as straightforward as preparing your water flossing device, choosing a comfortable tip, and controlling the water pressure as you floss. Here’s some guidance on using a water flosser:
– Purchase an appropriate brand, Waterpik is widely recommended.
– Try to floss near a sink to avoid making a mess with the water.
– Fill the device’s water reservoir with lukewarm water and attach it properly.
– Choose a tip to attach to the unit.
– Lean over your sink before placing the tip into your mouth. This way, the water doesn’t spill onto your clothes.
– Plug in the unit, gradually increase the water pressure, switch it on and start flossing.
– Spend around 10-15 minutes flossing, focusing on the spaces between your teeth.
– Once you’re done, turn it off, empty the reservoir, remove the tip and store the unit safely for next use.
The simplicity of using a water flosser is evident, and with proper usage, you’ll avoid messy splashes. Not to mention it’s highly effective at removing plaque and food remnants lodged in your teeth.
Here are other benefits of using a water flosser:
– Safe for those with braces, crowns, and bridges. It cleans without disturbing these dental appliances.
– Promotes healthier gums by dislodging plaque and providing a light gum massage.
– Reaches the deepest parts of your teeth and gums, accessing areas your toothbrush and floss might miss.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to floss regularly with little effort, consider switching to water flossing!
Categories: Dental
Tags: Water Flosser
