Call: 818-345-5286Cleaning between your teeth is something that is easy to neglect. It’s tempting to think that with brushing, and maybe a little mouthwash, you’ve done a thorough job of cleaning your teeth, but the truth is that your toothbrush and a rinse don’t reach between your teeth, and plenty of food debris and plaque can accumulate between your teeth, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. While dental floss is very common, there are several methods for cleaning between your teeth.
Floss picks are small plastic tools that hold a short section of dental floss. They are convenient, and in fact are very effective if you are out and about, and need to quickly remove a piece of food between your teeth. The prongs holding the dental floss are very thin, and are easy to maneuver around braces and other dental work. However, floss picks are not as effective as dental floss when it comes to reaching below the gumline.
Floss threaders are also useful for people who have a dental work like braces or a bridge, since they also allow the user to floss under their dental work, and can also be useful for people who have trouble holding their arms up for an extended period of time or who have range-of-motion issues. However, using a floss threader takes longer than traditional flossing.
Dental tape is a wide ribbon that covers a great deal of the tooth surface in one pass and may work better for people who have spaces between their teeth. It is also useful for people who wear bridges.
A water flosser uses a jet of water to clean between teeth. Like a floss threader, it is helpful for people who have problems using traditional floss or who wear braces
Before you decided on what method you will use, talk with your dentist about which one will be best for you and your mouth. If you are interested in learning more about oral hygiene techniques, or if it is just time for your regular cleaning and exam, our dentist, Dr. Alexi Eyvazi will be happy to meet with you. If you live in the Tarzana, California, area and would like to make an appointment at SoCalSmiles Dental Office, call 818-345-5286 today.