There are actually a few different ways that you can floss your teeth so that you maintain that beautiful smile for many years to come. Flossing is one of the most important steps in a great oral care routine. It helps to remove food matter that could turn into bacteria and lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. No matter which method you use each day, the key is to be sure to do it at least once a day if not more often to ensure that you are taking care of your teeth and gums properly.
One of the growing trends in flossing is the use of a Waterpik to clean the spaces between the teeth. Essentially it is a pressurized device that sends water into the mouth at a high rate. This loosens the debris that is left on the teeth after eating. While this is an extremely popular means of cleaning the spaces between teeth there is some debate about which brand is the best on the market. If you are considering purchasing one of these devices it is ideal to do your research in advance.
The first place you should look for information about a quality Waterpik is with your dentist. They have the expertise to recommend the most effective product on the market. They can also let you know whether or not it is a good option depending on your dental health and oral health routine. If you can’t get in with a dentist for a consultation you should at least compare reviews online to determine what other consumers find to be the best product. Reading through the reviews will give you the best understanding of what people really think of the product. It is far more ideal than just going with the products general rating.
The most common means of getting debris out from between your teeth is to use standard dental floss. The key to this being effective essential relies on your doing a thorough job. You want to be sure that you take the time to get in between the crevices of each pair of teeth. Many people find that starting on one side of the mouth and working your way to the other side. Ideally, you will want to use around 18 inches of floss each time you do it. As you move through each space you should use a different part of the floss to ensure that it is the most effective as it will degrade as it is being used.
If you choose to use this method you should note that there are many different kinds on the market. There are some that come with a layer on them that can help to freshen your breath. Others even have a layer on them that can help to kill the bacteria that it comes in contact with. Everyone has different goals when it comes to what it will do for their oral health and their breath so really it is just a matter of your personal preference.
Last, but not least, is the means of using a plastic dental pick. This comes with a small strip of floss on one side with a pick on the other end. This gives the user the convenience of being able to floss while on the go. For example, if you go out for a meal and want to ensure that you reduce your risk of getting a cavity from bacteria growth you can floss right after the meal no matter where you might be. It also lets you get larger pieces of food out of the crevices of your molars that typically are not accessible with standard floss. Most people use this option in conjunction with other flossing options to maintain the highest level of oral hygiene possible throughout the day.
What really matters the most, however, is that you make it a priority to floss on a daily basis. Many people neglect this step in their oral care routine, but that can lead to a number of problems in the future. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent the build-up of plaque, prevent the formation of cavities from bacteria and reduce the risk of the development of gum disease, often referred to as gingivitis. This will help in tandem with the thoughts we point out in our article How Do Dentists Fix Cavities.
Gum disease leads to the gums receding, exposing more of the surface of the teeth. This can increase the risk of forming cavities in hard to reach and more sensitive areas. It also can lead to the inflammation and infection of the gums. This can be extremely painful and even a very serious risk to your overall health. If gum disease if left untreated it can actually lead to increased risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is a very serious condition that leads to the premature death of thousands of people each year. Most people just are not aware of how closely their heart health is related to their oral health. Taking care of your teeth and gums means that you are taking care of your entire body.
No matter which method you choose, you are doing something great for your health. It is essential that you floss at least once each day. Doing so prevents a list of issues and really only takes a couple of minutes of your time. There really is no reason to not make this a priority in your daily life.