Can I Use Floss Picks Instead of Regular String Floss?
Can I use floss picks instead of regular string floss?
If your Winter Park dentist has advised you that a better job at flossing will decrease your chance of cavities or buildup, you might wonder if floss picks can be used instead of regular dental floss.
In short, our dentist believes no replacement is better than regular string floss. While floss picks are convenient and a great supplement, especially to have in your purse or daily carry bag, they are unable to be cleaned adequately using string floss.
Although a floss pick is not as recommended for keeping plaque and tartar away, it still has benefits. For most patients, a floss pick's convenience, speed, and discreetness can help clean between teeth when you would otherwise be unable to use regular string floss. When the “best” job is unavailable, it is certainly better to have a good job flossing. Additionally, for patients with trouble using regular string floss, such as children and those with dexterity challenges – a floss pick is significantly better than an alternative of not flossing at all. As a result, there are some significant use cases for floss picks – but we still recommend string floss for those who can maintain that habit!
Should I use a water flosser instead?
The one significant advantage of water flosser devices is their ability to reach places where traditional floss can not or is too difficult to reach. This may most commonly be for patients in braces, wire retainers, dental bridges, and dental implants.
Similar to the recommendation for the floss pick, a water flosser should be used in addition to regular string floss, but not as a singular replacement. The unique ability for string floss to “wrap” around your tooth with a “C” shape is difficult to replicate with either a floss pick or water flosser.
There are a few considerations when it comes to augmenting your daily routine with water flossing:
Suppose you have a higher sensitivity to cold or pressure, perhaps due to gum recession or in need of active dental treatment. In that case, it may be uncomfortable to use a water flosser as pressurized water will be touching your sensitive areas. However, regular brushing, flossing, and use of the water flosser will help prevent further decay or additional recession. Therefore, it may still be advisable to use a water flosser. One tip is to avoid using cold water as it can trigger sensitivity; in this case, you can use lukewarm, room-temperature water or warm water from your tap.
If you have difficulty using traditional floss due to skill or other accessibility issues, we recommend a water flosser as an alternative to flossing. In this way, a water flosser is still better than not flossing at all. There are also particular models with a rechargeable battery, which can increase the usefulness for patients who cannot floss with traditional floss.
If braces, retainers, or dental bridges require a “floss threader” to push traditional floss through the teeth, a water flosser can be nearly necessary. We find floss threading so inconvenient for our patients that they end up not cleaning the area. In these cases, a water flosser can be effective in at least cleaning the area sufficiently until the next regular six-month visit to your Winter Park dentist.
While a water flosser is good at pushing away food particles and other larger debris, it cannot mechanically “scrape” away any plaque like traditional floss does. When properly flossing, it’s essential to give the floss a bit of a curve around the tooth so it “wraps” the side of the tooth and can reach where your toothbrush can not.
Ultimately, a water flosser is an excellent tool for daily dental care. However, it does not serve as a complete replacement for traditional flossing. Regular floss is sufficient for everyday use for most patients without elevated dental needs. However, if you want extra prevention, a water flosser can provide cleaning and mouthwashing applications in specific areas. For patients with braces, retainers, dental bridges, or other dental work that must be maintained well, we recommend a Waterpik or equivalent water flosser to help keep the teeth and dental restorations as clean as possible between dental visits.
In conclusion about flossing habits
If you are worried regular flossing habits aren’t enough for you or are finding it too challenging to use regular floss, please schedule an appointment with us, and we will be happy to give you specific recommendations on how a water flosser or regular flossing would be best for your particular situation.
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