Despite recent news stories questioning whether flossing is truly a necessity to our dental care, the American Dental Association (ADA) stands by its recommendation to clean between the teeth at least once per day using an interdental cleaner. While traditional floss has often been the go-to option, oral irrigators, or water flossers, have grown in popularity in recent years. So which one provides the most benefits, particularly for your child’s dental care? Pediatric dentists and other professionals are generally in agreement that interdental cleaning, regardless of the method, is better than not flossing at all.

Traditional Floss

When done properly, traditional floss is one of the best ways to protect against gum disease. Unfortunately, many adults are misinformed about the correct flossing technique, so they do more harm than good. Traditional flossing is also difficult for children who haven’t fully developed their motor skills yet, as well as for those medical conditions or disabilities affecting the hands. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper technique.

Water Flossing

Oral irrigators, more commonly referred to as water flossers, are another way to clean between your teeth. Rather than using a strip of floss, the irrigation method uses a steady stream of water to rinse away food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gums. This handheld device is another way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While anyone can use an oral irrigator, it works particularly well for young children, people with braces, or others who struggle to use traditional floss correctly.

Before you decide which interdental cleaner is best for your child’s dental care, speak to the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associastes on Oahu and Maui about an appropriate option based on your child’s age and physical abilities. With over 25 years of experience providing dentistry for children and babies, these dentists will help your child achieve optimal oral health. Learn more about their services by visiting their website. To schedule an appointment, call one of their three offices at (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului.