Flossing is critical to maintaining healthy gums and good dental hygiene. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day to clean around the teeth and prevent gum disease. There are several effective methods of flossing that target different areas of the mouth with significant benefits, including traditional string floss, water flossing and air flossing. Here is a guide to the different types of flossing and their benefits. 

Traditional Flossing

Traditional flossing is one of the best ways to remove plaque from your teeth. Although new technologies have created alternatives, none can replicate the scraping motion flossing can achieve. 

This inexpensive method is great at getting between teeth, but it can be challenging for people with dental bridges and braces. Additionally, it can’t reach into the gum pockets. 

Oral Irrigator   

An oral irrigator, or water flossier, uses a stream of water to effectively dislodge food, bacteria, and debris in the oral cavity, between teeth and in the gum pockets. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that plaque was significantly reduced on tooth surfaces by people using this style of flosser. An oral irrigator can reach areas traditional floss can't and its value is maximized by its ability to be used by multiple members of a household using extra attachment tips.

Air Flossing 

An air flosser uses small, intermittent bursts of air along with small micro-droplets of water to eliminate food debris between teeth and in gum pockets. Air does all the work to remove plaque while remaining gentle on the gums. This device is mess-free, easy to use and has a simplistic and compact design. 

Because of its maneuverability, the air flosser is the perfect alternative for people with braces, dental bridges or implants. While air flossing has been found to be slightly less effective at removing plaque, your dentist will prefer that you use any form of flossing regular over none at all.

For the best possible oral care, trust your teeth to a dentist that cares. Elizabeth A. Loseke, DDS believes quality dental care should be accessible for all, making it easy for clients of all insurance plans to maintain a healthy mouth. Located in Kearney, NE, this practice provides a wide variety of services using the latest advancements in general and cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, sealants, crowns, bridges and more. To learn more about their services, visit the website. To schedule an appointment, call (308) 234-4564.