Flossing has been a long-standing recommendation by dentists in Burlington such as Dentistry at The Grove, as it helps remove food particles and plaque buildup from areas between our teeth and below the gum line. But with the rise of interdental cleaners, it might make you wonder, which one is better? Floss or interdental cleaners? Dentistry at The Grove is a top-recognized dentist in Burlington Ontario that can help you with all your dental care needs. We are also an emergency dentist in Burlington offering 24h emergency dental care. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between floss and interdental cleaners, their benefits, and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision on which one suits you best.
Flossing is a time-honored way of cleaning the spaces between your teeth. Traditional flossing only requires a thin thread of floss to be rubbed back and forth between your teeth in a c-shaped manner. However, if you have trouble using traditional floss, you can try using floss picks or water flossers. Floss picks give you a better grip and control when flossing, making it easy to reach the backmost parts of your mouth. On the other hand, water flossers use water pressure to clean between your teeth, which can be gentler on your gums but more effective in cleaning.
Interdental cleaners, on the other hand, use different tools to reach the hard-to-reach areas. Some examples are tiny brushes, interdental picks, and rubber tips that help massage the gums. Interdental cleaners allow people with braces, bridges, or other dental appliances to clean better as it can reach into small crevices that ordinary floss cannot.
Choosing between flossing and interdental cleaners depends on your needs, comfort level, and overall oral health. If you have healthy teeth and gums, traditional flossing may be all you need. However, ifs you have orthodontic appliances like braces, it may be beneficial to use interdental cleaners as traditional flossing may not reach all areas.
When it comes to drawbacks, traditional flossing requires a specific technique that some individuals may find difficult to learn or maintain. Others may find traditional floss unpleasant because of the “fingers in the mouth” sensation. On the other hand, interdental cleaners can be more expensive, need to be replaced more often, and can take more time to use.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both flossing and interdental cleaners are effective ways of cleaning the spaces between your teeth. Choosing one over the other should depend on your specific needs, dental history, and personal preferences. Regular oral hygiene routine is vital for keeping bad breath and dental problems at bay, so adopt the habit that works best for you and stick with it. Remember that these tools are only part of a comprehensive dental hygiene routine that should include daily brushing and regular dental checkups.
