![]() ![]() Some people find that a wide, flat, tape-style floss (rather than a strand of fibers woven together) is more comfortable and easier to slide between tightly spaced teeth. Tape flossĪccording to the A.D.A., your flossing technique and frequency are more important than what your floss is made out of - nylon, plastic, waxed, or unwaxed. Reusable floss holders are also available - some are just a plastic handle that you can string floss onto, and others have disposable floss cartridges that you have to buy separately - but none of these tools have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and a 2011 study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that many reusable floss holders are difficult to maneuver. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that floss picks are “at least as good as” regular dental floss when it comes to removing plaque. Floss picksĪ floss pick is a disposable tool with a toothpick on one end and a bit of floss held taut on the other. The Cochrane Review found that wooden “cleaning sticks” can help reduce gingivitis but not plaque, whereas those made of synthetic materials can help reduce plaque but not gingivitis symptoms. ![]() approved, but you can find wooden “plaque removers” with the A.D.A. The toothpicks you might pick up at your local diner are probably not A.D.A. Like interdental brushes, some toothpicks (usually made of wood, rubber, or plastic) may be easier to hold than a strand of floss. People with tightly spaced teeth may have trouble using them, and according to the A.D.A., people with electronic implants in their mouths should avoid interdental brushes with an exposed metal wire. The Cochrane Review found that such tools can reduce gingivitis symptoms and plaque in the short term, and a 2015 review of nearly 400 studies, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, found “moderate” evidence that interdental brushes reduce plaque and gingivitis symptoms. These small, textured brushes made for cleaning between teeth can be easier to hold and maneuver than floss. Of these, Wirecutter recommends the Waterpik Aquarius.Ī 2019 Cochrane Review examining 35 randomized controlled trials found that oral irrigation has been shown to reduce gingivitis symptoms (bleeding gums) in the short term but found no evidence for overall plaque reduction. These electronic devices shoot either a thin stream of water ( water flossers) or a thin stream of air punctuated by bursts of tiny water droplets (air flossers) between teeth to remove plaque. Here are some types to try: Oral irrigators Neuburger recommends making sure dental items are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) in addition to having the A.D.A. Seal of Acceptance when shopping for interdental cleaners, and Dr. Ruchi Sahota, a spokesperson for the organization, said she always tells her patients to look for the A.D.A. If you fear floss, some alternatives have been shown to “demonstrate safety and efficacy” in clinical or lab data submitted to the A.D.A. Whatever you can do to consistently disrupt the plaque between your teeth and stimulate your gums is better than nothing. “Your dentist will be able to give you a personalized recommendation based on the spacing between your teeth, the health of your gums, or any dental work you might have like braces or a bridge.” “It’s really important that you choose something that works for you, so you can feel comfortable using it on a daily basis,” Dr. ![]() Michele Neuburger, a dental officer in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Oral Health. The best way to know whether an interdental cleaner is right for you is by asking your dentist, said Dr. Thankfully, in addition to string floss, you can find other interdental cleaners - things designed to clean between teeth - that are safe and effective. The research is limited, and flossing is not a cure-all, but it is still one of the few things people can do - along with brushing, drinking fluoridated water, rinsing with mouthwash, eating well, and going to the dentist regularly - to stand a chance against severe, long-term oral-health problems. Truth be told, it’s more like once a week.ĭespite reports that flossing may be “ overrated,” the American Dental Association (A.D.A.) and the US Department of Health and Human Services still recommend flossing every day. My dental hygienist and I have a longstanding, unspoken agreement: I won’t get any cavities, and she’ll pretend to believe me when I tell her I floss every day.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |