Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and wellness. Brushing and flossing are essential components of a healthy dental routine, and flossing plays a vital role in removing bacteria and food particles from between teeth.
While traditional flossing is effective, there are various innovative techniques available that can take your oral hygiene to the next level. In this article, we will explore five creative ways to floss your teeth for a healthier smile.
Beyond the basics - 5 creative ways to floss your teeth
- Water Flossing: A water flosser uses a jet of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line, making it an effective alternative to traditional flossing. It’s particularly beneficial for people with braces, implants, or sensitive gums.
- Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes come in various sizes and shapes and can clean the gaps between teeth. They are particularly useful for people with wider spaces between teeth and those with dental work or braces.
- Floss Picks: Floss picks are small, disposable tools with a short piece of floss attached to a plastic handle. They are perfect for on-the-go flossing and easily stored in a purse or pocket.
- Floss Threaders: Floss threaders are helpful for people with braces or dental work. They allow you to thread the floss between teeth and around brackets, wires, or implants.
- Natural Dental Floss: Some people prefer to use natural dental floss made from silk, beeswax, or plant-based materials. These eco-friendly options are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals or artificial colours.
Most effective techniques
Whatever flossing method you use, it’s essential to use the proper technique. Hold the floss firmly between your thumb and forefinger, slide it gently between your teeth, and curve it into a C-shape around the base of each tooth. Slide the floss up and down, then move to the next tooth, using a clean section of the floss each time.
- Be Gentle: Flossing should never be painful or cause bleeding. If you experience discomfort or bleeding, try using a softer floss or floss more gently.
- Don’t Skip a Day: Consistency is key in oral hygiene. Make sure to floss at least once daily to remove food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after flossing can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Get Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help detect dental problems early and prevent more significant issues from developing.
Upgrade your oral hygiene - Unconventional ways to floss
- Chew Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help remove food particles and stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralise harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Oil Pulling: Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (such as coconut or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out. This can help remove bacteria from your mouth and freshen your breath.
- Tongue Scraping: Scraping your tongue with a tongue scraper can help remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath and dental problems.
- Baking Soda: Mixing baking soda with water to create a paste can help remove surface stains on your teeth and neutralise harmful acids in your mouth.
- Vitamin C: Eating foods rich in vitamin C (such as oranges, strawberries, and broccoli) can help strengthen your gums and prevent
Think outside the box - Alternative methods of flossing
- Dental Picks: Dental picks are thin, flexible tools with a pointed end that can be used to clean between teeth. They are particularly useful for people with crowded or misaligned teeth.
- Water Picks: Water picks use a high-pressure stream of water to remove food particles and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line. They are particularly beneficial for people with braces, implants, or sensitive gums.
- Air Flossers: Air flossers use a combination of air and water to clean between teeth. They are particularly beneficial for people with sensitive teeth or gums.
- Flossing Toothbrushes: Flossing toothbrushes have bristles that are designed to clean between teeth as well as the surface of the teeth. They are an excellent option for people who prefer to combine brushing and flossing.
- Dental Flossers: Dental flossers are small, handheld devices that hold a short piece of floss between two prongs. They are perfect for people who have difficulty holding floss or have limited mobility.
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining proper oral hygiene, but it doesn’t have to be boring. With various innovative and unconventional flossing methods available, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer traditional flossing or want to try something new, it’s essential to find a flossing method that works for you and incorporate it into your daily oral hygiene routine.
Contact us for an appointment
Dentistry done the right way requires modern tools, a keen understanding of how to use them, and above all else, care for your comfort and individual health requirements. We offer an extensive treatment programme that far outpaces other practices in the market’
Contact us at 012 492 7094 for professional dentistry and a client-centric approach to your oral hygiene.