Every day your teeth chew whatever food you throw at it; in the process food particles get stuck in between them. Even though we make it a routine to brush at least twice in a day, do you know that brushing alone would not suffice? Without an added dental hygiene routine like flossing, you expose your teeth to diseases that occur from a buildup of dental plaque.
What Is A Dental Plaque
Dental Plaque forms naturally from the bacteria resident in your teeth. It is a soft, sticky, slimy and white substance that attaches to the front or back of your teeth, in between them or your gumline.
When you fail to brush and/or floss daily, the plaque reacts with the sugar in foods to form acid that eats away at the enamel and gum of your teeth. A build-up of plaque forms tartar and lead to diseases such as gingivitis (early form of red and swollen gum), tooth decay, tooth abscess (a pocket of pus caused by infection from bacteria and resident at different regions in a tooth), tooth ache and cavities (holes in the teeth). These disease cause discomfort and may lead to the following:
- Headache
- Inability to chew, bite or talk
- Bad breath or mouth odour
- Swollen face or cheek
- Moodiness
- Inability to perform daily task because of pains
FLOSSING: THE SIMPLE SOLUTION
We have previously stated that brushing alone does not totally clean your teeth from plaque and food particles stuck in them; you have to include flossing into the routine if you want a total effect. What then is flossing? Flossing is defined as the use of dental floss to clean in between your teeth and gumline.
The activity has since existed with the earlier usage of traditional string-like material for teeth cleaning. Using this material requires concentration, expertise, and maneuvering by the user and involves tying the string on the middle fingers of both hands and carefully running it through the teeth for cleaning.
Because of the extra dexterity needed, traditional flossing proved quite difficult for children and some adult; and as a result, flossing moved from an easy-to-perform task that promotes dental hygiene became to tasking a routine been avoided. And in a bid to simplify the process water flossing was developed.
What Is Water Flossing?
Water flossing involves using a water flosser device for the purpose of flossing. A water flosser is a handheld device that channels high-pressure water forcefully through a tip and onto the teeth. The pressure of the water removes plaques and food particle stuck between the teeth easily. The only effort required is for the individual to guide the tip through the teeth.
Water flossing is recommended for people who can’t handle traditional flossing and for people who have orthodontic work like braces, bridges, and crown. A popular water flosser brand is Waterpik. It has been recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) as effective for flossing
Benefits of Water Flossing
Simple and easy to use: it has been noted that flossing with dental string requires a level of expertise and dexterity. But In a situation where you can’t get it right then the best alternative is a water flosser. These devices are automated with adjustable pressure control; you only need to move the tips through your teeth and gum. You can even add mouthwash to the water for extra results.
More effective than traditional flossing: different studies have revealed that water flossing is more effective in removing plaques and food particles. This is due to the fact that the stream of water penetrates deep into places toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach.
Reduce inflamed and bleeding gum: dental floss, if not properly used can cause your gum to bleed. But water flossing makes sure that you don’t bleed or hurt your gum instead they are massaged and made healthier.
Prevents teeth and gum diseases: disease such as gingivitis, teeth abscess, decay and ache can be more prevented by water flossing. This is because water from the specially designed tips of water flosser penetrates every corners and pocket of the teeth to flush out bacterial and plaques before they grow harmful.
Safe for use with orthodontic appliances: using dental floss for braces and bridges is quite challenging because the brackets and wire run through the teeth. Sometimes, it is totally impossible to effectively clean it for it would mean shifting the position of the braces. And unless you are wearing an Invisalign aligner that can be removed before and after flossing, then using water flosser is more convenient for you.
Conclusion
That you can’t use a dental floss masterfully well shouldn’t deter you from regularly flossing because water flossing was invented to solve that problem. It has been proven to be faster, effective and safer by dentists, orthodontist and the ADA alike. Therefore, knowing the importance of daily flossing in keeping away tooth problem should push you towards getting the water flosser for you and your family.