Flossing

You should begin your daily dental care with flossing. Flossing cleans between the teeth in places a toothbrush can’t reach. When you remove the plaque and debris between the teeth, you brush it off afterwards.

Floss string

Flosses come in different thicknesses and structure. You should choose a floss that fits between your teeth.

Floss picks

While not as beneficial to dental care as traditional floss, using a floss pick is better than not flossing at all. Also, floss picks come in handy when some food gets caught between a tooth or two, and they are easy to keep in a briefcase, purse or desk (office).

Water flossers

There are many reasons why one might choose to use a water flosser for your flossing:

• You may be more likely to floss which is important for cleaning dental work like crowns, veneers, implants or bridges.

• It’s much easier to floss with water when one has braces.

• Water flossing helps remove excess plaque and helps you have whiter teeth naturally.

• You may find that you have fresher breath.

• Better checkups. Not only will you be less stressful when your six-month checkup rolls around, but you may find your mouth will be less sore after your visit.

• Healthier gums. Plaque can lead to bacteria which can lead to gum disease. Water flossing helps clean between the teeth and below the gum lines.

• Water flossing does not replace traditional flossing, however it should be considered as an adjunct.

Interdental brushes

Bridges, braces and crowns can make flossing with string or picks difficult to slip between teeth. Interdental brushes, which appear similar to small eye brow brushes, can pass through the spaces between teeth which will allow plaque to be removed.

Interdental brushes have a handle to grip and bristles on the other end. Simply insert the brush between the teeth at the gum line and move it around to remove the plaque. They come in various sizes.