August 19, 2022
If you’ve been to a dentist, the dentist or the hygienist has probably asked how regularly you floss. Whether or not you tell the truth, your dentist knows if you’ve been flossing or not. Flossing may seem like a hassle to some, but it’s necessary for the health of your teeth. Many people don’t enjoy flossing because it can irritate their gums or cause bleeding. Floss can sometimes be abrasive. Water flossers are great for those with sensitive gums that bleed easily!
Flossing helps remove bacteria and plaque from between the teeth and the gums. Daily flossing can significantly reduce your risk of tooth decay (cavities), gingivitis, and gum disease. When you don’t floss, plaque can build up over time around your gum line and will eat away at your tooth enamel causing cavities or irritating the gums.
Flossing also helps with bad breath! When food is trapped in your teeth, it slowly decays which can cause a foul odor. Flossing helps remove any food that may be stuck between your teeth.
Did you know flossing your teeth before brushing is more beneficial to the health of your teeth and mouth? Flossing beforehand can loosen up plaque buildup around the gum line, which makes it easier to brush away!
A water flosser may also be known as a water jet or oral irrigator. Your dentist often uses them during your bi-annual dentist appointments! These oral irrigators we’ve come to know have been around since 1962 when dentist Dr. Gerald Moyer came up with the idea. He and his patient/hydraulic engineer John Mattingly worked on the device and brought on another dentist, Dr. Thomas W. Bennett, who helped perfect the water flosser.
Water flossers use a pressurized, pulsating stream of water that works to remove plaque and debris in the teeth and gums. They’re ideal for people with braces, non-removable bridges, crowns, or dental implants. They’re great for those with arthritis or anyone who has a difficult time maneuvering string floss in their mouth.
Sometimes you may come across a hard-to-reach space in the mouth that you have difficulty flossing. String floss can be difficult to maneuver in the mouth. Water flossers are great because they’re easy to use, can clean between tight teeth, and can get to all the spaces in the back of the mouth with ease.
Water flossers are less abrasive than traditional floss. String floss can irritate your gums and often cause them to bleed, regardless of whether or not your gums are healthy. Water floss can also reach deeper into your periodontal pockets, which means healthier gums!
When was the last time you visited the dentist? You should go to the dentist bi-annually to keep up with your oral health! Contact Sinquefield Family Dentistry today to schedule your next appointment!
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