Nobody likes flossing their teeth. It’s tedious, time-consuming, and can even be uncomfortable. However, it’s an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, ensuring there’s no food particles or plaque buildup between your teeth.
If you dread flossing your teeth each day, consider trying dental floss alternatives. Thanks to modern dental technology, you can ditch the traditional dental floss and find something easier and more convenient for you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore four dental floss alternatives that can make keeping your teeth clean simpler than ever.
The Importance of Flossing
First, let’s take a closer look at the importance of flossing your teeth. When you eat, tiny particles of food get stuck between your teeth. Left unchecked, these particles can become food for bacteria, which form plaque and contribute to tooth decay. That’s why it’s vital to stop plaque before it has the chance to form, protecting yourself from cavities and gum disease.
Traditionally, we’ve used dental floss to get in those nooks and crannies brushing can’t reach. However, most people hate flossing, finding it uncomfortable or inconvenient. Some people even forego flossing altogether, putting their oral health at risk.
Explore Dental Floss Alternatives
Luckily, there are other ways to clean between your teeth. From special brushes to picks to water flossers, gone are the days where your only option is traditional thread floss.
1. Interdental Brushes
First up is interdental brushes, sometimes known as dental picks. This dental floss alternative looks like a tiny, flexible pipe cleaner. Its bristles are similar to those on a regular toothbrush. In fact, the process of using an interdental brush is a lot like brushing your teeth. You use gentle back-and-forth strokes to clean the entire space between your teeth, ensuring that no food particles or plaque are left behind.
Interdental brushes are especially helpful for those with braces or other orthodontic devices, making it much easier to clean under wires and around brackets.
However, most interdental brushes can only be reused for up to a week, and then must be disposed of. This is not ideal when it comes to environmental sustainability, contributing to landfill waste. Plus, it’s an ongoing cost — you’ll need to buy a new pack every so often, which can add up over time.
2. Water Flossers
Water flossers are like an at-home version of the tool the dental hygienist uses to rinse your teeth after polishing them. This handheld device uses a pressurized jet of water to blast the food, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth, leaving your mouth squeaky clean.
Like interdental brushes, this dental floss alternative is a great option for those with oral appliances that are hard to clean around. It can also be useful for those with limited mobility or finger dexterity who find it difficult to maneuver dental floss.
Water flossers — especially rechargeable ones — are also more sustainable than other dental floss alternatives because they don’t involve any plastic waste. With proper care, your water flosser can last many years, making it better for those who want to minimize their environmental impact.
3. Threader Floss
Threader floss is a special kind of dental floss with a stiffened, waxed end. Rather than holding the floss with both hands and maneuvering it around your mouth, threader floss only requires one hand. Simply guide the end between your teeth or around orthodontic appliances to remove trapped plaque and bacteria.
Many types of threader floss are soft and spongy, making the experience more comfortable and reducing the risk of gum irritation. Because it’s easier to use than traditional dental floss, threader floss may be a better choice for young children who haven’t developed the dexterity necessary for other options.
4. Dental Tape
Dental tape is similar to thread floss, but wider and flatter, like a ribbon. The flossing process is the same, but many people find it more comfortable. Plus, the wider tape is better for those with sensitive gums or wide gaps between their teeth, covering more surface area than thinner floss. However, it may not be able to squeeze into especially tight spaces.
Ensuring a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we’re committed to ensuring you have everything you need to maintain your happy, healthy smile. Whether you need emergency dental care, a simple cleaning, or advice on which dental floss alternative is best for you, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
