Flossing is an essential part of good dental care. It removes food debris and plaque below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. If flossing is challenging for you because of limited mobility issues, such as arthritis, there are numerous alternative products that can make this process stress-free. Take a look at the top flossing aids below.

What Are Some Popular Flossing Tools? 

1. Floss Picks

These products are made of flexible plastic and hold about an inch or so of the dental filament. Since the floss is attached to these picks, you can move the tool around your mouth easily, which includes hard-to-reach back molars. Most picks feature shred-resistant floss that won’t cut into gum tissue, and they come in affordable packs of 50 or more. 

2. Water Flossers

Also known as gum irrigators, water flossers are the simplest non-filament products to use. These dental care devices clean below the gumline utilizing streams of water and remove a significant amount of plaque when used correctly. 

To floss with a water flosser, hold the easy-to-grip handle, press the "on" button, and gently glide the tip along your gumline. Start with the lowest setting and build up as you become used to working with this device. 

3. Floss Threaders

If you have crowns, fixed bridges, or other dental restorations that make traditional flossing difficult, consider floss threaders. They feature a loop of floss threaded through a flexible nylon or plastic threader for easy cleaning around dental prosthetics and natural teeth. Like floss picks, threaders come in packs. 

Floss threaders are also ideal for people with braces or permanent retainers, since traditional flossing can be problematic because of the wires involved. 

4. Air Flossers 

Air flossing tools work in the same way as water flossers, except they use air and water droplets to clean the gumline. The air hits the gums at a relatively high speed without causing tissue damage or discomfort, allowing you to dislodge plaque and food debris quickly and easily. Some air flosser tools can clean the gums in about 60 seconds. 

In addition to using your selected flossing product every day, schedule professional dental care services from Bradley M. Stewart, DMD. This family dentist provides residents throughout Olive Branch, MS, with several services, including dental implants and gum disease treatments. He is also a member of the Mississippi Dental Association. Call (662) 893-5800 today to make an appointment, and learn more about dental care services online.