Consider Water Flossing for Your Dental Flossing Needs

When it comes to caring for your teeth, whether you have braces or not, you already understand the importance of brushing twice daily. Cleaning your teeth every day helps eliminate harmful bacteria and plaque that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. However, brushing alone isn’t enough because you also need to remove sticky bacterial film and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach, especially along the gum line. That’s where flossing becomes essential, and not the dance move kind.

Struggling With Dental Floss?

Most people know how to use traditional dental floss, but some find it challenging. This includes individuals with hand issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or Parkinson’s disease. To clean with dental floss, you must insert the string between your teeth to remove debris, plaque, and food particles. It requires some skill to maneuver the floss around your teeth, and you need to have manual dexterity. The last thing you want is to avoid flossing because it’s too difficult. If flossing is a struggle for you, an alternative like a water flosser might be the right tool to help you floss daily!

ADA-Approved Flossing Alternative

This handheld interdental cleaning device functions by emitting a fine stream of water to eliminate plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline. Waterpik is a well-known brand, and with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, it is verified as both safe and effective in removing plaque and preventing gingivitis.

To use a water flosser, you just need to fill it with water and direct the stream between each tooth and around any braces. These devices are excellent for individuals dealing with gum disease, xerostomia or dry mouth, those who have difficulty with manual dexterity, or those who are wearing braces.

Backed By Research

If you need more reasons to consider using a water flosser, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found water flossing to be 29 percent more effective than traditional flossing. Another study in the same journal confirmed that using a manual toothbrush with a water flosser was better at removing harmful plaque than using a manual toothbrush with an interdental flossing brush.

Water Flossing For The Win

Waterpik’s own research found that its flosser is 51 percent more effective at reducing gum disease and three times more effective than dental floss for cleaning around braces. This means that using a water flosser in addition to your daily tooth brushing routine is an excellent way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your water flosser can thoroughly clean behind your wires and remove food particles trapped by the braces.

If you need assistance with flossing while wearing braces, feel free to contact our experienced team, and we can help you find the right tool for your needs. We are here to support your oral care efforts as you straighten your teeth and look forward to helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve!

Take the First Step Toward Your Perfect Smile Today

Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, the team at Dr. Hardy is ready to provide the exceptional care, personal attention, and beautiful results you deserve. Experience the difference board certification makes in your orthodontic journey.

Don’t wait to begin your transformation. Contact Dr. Hardy today to schedule your complimentary consultation and discover why so many Denver families trust their smiles to Dr. Helm and Dr. Hardy.

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