Five Ways to Make the Flossing Routine a Little Easier

It’s National Flossing Day! Are you a daily flosser? Good for you! Wait, are you telling the truth? Did you know 27 percent of adults lie to their dentist about flossing?

Yes, flossing can be hassle. However, it’s a simple act that makes a big difference in your oral health. It removes the plaque between teeth and from under the gumlines, where the toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. In fact, plaque build up under the gumlines can cause periodontal disease.

To make the flossing routine a little easier, here are a few of our favorite tips and tools.

Waterpik

One of the latest and greatest tools to hit the dental market. The Waterpik is a handheld electronic tool that sprays a stream of water in-between teeth to remove gum disease causing plaque and build up. It’s easy to use, painless, and effective. Ask your dentist if a Waterpik might be a good tool to add to your oral health routine.

Airfloss

Similar to the Waterpik, but instead shoots a stream of air dotted with tiny water droplets to clean between teeth (only using one teaspoon of water per use!). The Airfloss is considered more economical in terms of size and messiness, but is a bit less effective than the Waterpik.

Interdental Flossers

Essentially a tiny toothbrush. The interdental flosser’s bendable brush heads gently clean in-between the teeth, contouring to the unique spaces there.

Flavored Floss

Take a tropical vacation every time you floss with flavors like coconut and tutti frutti

Waxed v No Wax

Go with the one you’ll use. Waxed floss has a coating that makes it easier to get floss between teeth. It can be more comfortable with teeth that are tightly spaced. Unwaxed floss isn’t coated, so it’s thinner and won’t have flavoring. People often ask us which version is better, but it really comes down to your own preference. And the one you’re more likely to use regularly.

If you’d like to learn more about habits for better oral health, talk with your dentist. And if you’re looking for the right dentist for you and your family, check out our helpful Find a Dentist tool.