Answer this:
Would you scrub just one side of your face and leave the other side dirty?
Of course not!
Well, that’s basically what you are doing when you are not flossing.
Brushing can only clean the visible surfaces of your teeth, but if you want to get to those hard-to-reach places and make sure you remove plaque effectively, then you’ll need to floss.
Of course, most people are aware of the benefits of flossing. However, it’s estimated that about one-third of Americans lie to their dentists about their flossing habits.
The reasons vary – some find it uncomfortable and painful; others simply don’t like it. Some get scared because flossing can sometimes cause gum bleeding.
Whatever your reasons, if you don’t like flossing, then you can try these alternatives:
Interdental Brushes
When left untreated, plaque can cause quite a lot of damage, from gum disease to periodontal disease. Your regular toothbrush can only do so much in cleaning the food particles left in your mouth after you eat.
If you don’t like flossing, then an Interdental brush can be just as effective in removing food debris and keeping plaque at bay.
Interdental brushes are small toothbrushes with tiny bristles designed to help you clean the small spaces between your teeth. They come in different sizes so that they can suit almost any mouth.
Water Flossing
Just like the name suggests, a water flossing device uses a stream of water instead of a string of floss to allow you to clean the gaps between your teeth and remove plaque.
Some people find it easier to maneuver this handheld device rather than use a tiny piece of string to clean their teeth. It’s also a great alternative for people with dental fixtures that make flossing more difficult, such as braces or bridges.
Floss Picks
For some people, wrapping a tiny string around their fingers and then trying to fit that through the gaps between their teeth is too much work to be worth it. A good alternative to this problem would be floss picks.
How does it work?
A floss pick has a small handle with two ends that hold a string of floss. Simply take on a pick and use it to clean those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
What’s the Right Product for You?
Brushing and flossing two times a day keeps the dentist away. If you truly hate flossing but understand its importance, then these alternatives should help you maintain your teeth clean and healthy. Of course, these are just a few ideas. There are plenty of other options on the market. Don’t be afraid to try more of them until you find that one that you will be confident that you can include in your oral routine. Whether it’s floss picks, water flossing, Interdental brushes, or something else, what matters is that you are diligent about your oral health.
