Flossing is a critical step in your oral hygiene routine! But many patients find using regular dental floss time-consuming and painful. At Advanced Dentistry of Nevada, MO, our team loves helping our patients find the right dental tools that help them enjoy the healthiest smile possible. While consistently using traditional flossing is usually the most effective method of flossing, using an occasional alternative is better than not flossing at all! Below, we list a few alternatives to string floss to help you clean those hard-to-reach spots between your teeth and under your gum line.

• INTERDENTAL BRUSHES

Interdental brushes are like mini toothbrushes that are designed to squeeze into the areas between your teeth. They’re great for patients with permanent retainers or braces because they don’t require any threading to access tight spaces. However, interdental brushes can’t clean under the gum line as easily as dental floss can.

Floss threaders are also useful tools for those with braces. String floss is threaded through a loop and then the stiff end of the floss threader is pushed under the braces archwire. This makes it easier to push the floss between the teeth.

• WATER FLOSSERS

This ADA-approved floss alternative is rapidly gaining popularity. Water flossing uses a steady stream of pressurized water to push out food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Water flossers are easy to hold and are a good choice for patients with dexterity issues. They can also help stimulate bloodflow in the gums.

• FLOSS PICKS

Floss picks are made of dental floss pre-strung on a special piece of plastic. They can transfer bacteria between teeth so several floss picks are recommended per flossing session. These are particularly helpful for traveling and to quickly remove food after eating.

PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE IN NEVADA, MO

If you are looking for a state-of-the-art dental office that offers comprehensive services tailored to your individual needs, please contact Advanced Dentistry of Nevada, MO today to schedule an appointment! During your visit, we can discuss your oral health habits and suggest ways to improve your flossing.