Regularly removing bacteria and plaque from your teeth is absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Now, the next question to consider is how you plan to clean the hard-to-reach areas between the teeth.
These areas can often be overlooked and can easily accumulate bacteria and food debris, which can then lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Most of our patients here in Fort Worth either opt for string floss or for a water flosser.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Interdental Cleaners
Are you unsure about the type of interdental cleaner to choose? Consider the following pros and cons of each option:
Traditional String Floss
String floss is actually considered one of the oldest forms of dental hygiene. Evidence of primitive floss dates back to prehistoric times when humans used horse hair as floss. Fortunately, we’ve ditched the horse hair and now have a variety of unwaxed, waxed, and flavored floss options. If you stick with traditional string floss, you’ll enjoy some of the following perks:
- Affordable
- Easy to control
- More thorough due to ability to use a scraping motion
On the other hand, some of the negatives of using string floss include:
- Can be difficult for those with dexterity problems
- Can be time-consuming for patients with braces
Water Flosser
A water flosser is a device that shoots a stream of water between your teeth. Essentially, this interdental cleaner helps to rinse away excess bacteria and food particles. Since a water flosser only rinses the area, it can be less effective at removing sticky plaque that needs to be scraped away. Some of the pros include:
- Great option for patients with braces, dental implants, or fixed bridges
- Can be more comfortable for those with dexterity problems
Some of the cons include:
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- More expensive
- Less travel-friendly
- Less efficient because plaque needs to be scraped away
What Should You Choose?
Like we mentioned before, traditional floss is the best option for most patients. However, a water flosser is great for patients who struggle with traditional floss and is certainly better than not flossing at all.
For questions regarding oral hygiene or any other oral health matter, contact our office! We offer a range of dental treatment options to give you a healthy smile. Call our office and schedule your next appointment with Dr. Snider today!