ORAL health is important and not only keeps our pearly whites sparkling but also helps us to maintain good gum health.
Flossing is part of most of our daily routines, but one expert has revealed the surprising way we should actually be doing it – and it doesn’t involve fiddly string.
One dentist has revealed that the traditional use of string floss might not be the best option for some peopleCredit: Getty
Dental hygienist Renata Lainchbury explained that many people actually don’t give much thought to their dental health.
Renata, who works at the Ipswich Dental Surgery said there is one dental tool that has become increasingly more popular recently.
She highlighted water flossers as her go to product – as much like normal floss they work to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from debris.
Water flossers are also known as oral irrigators and the device can shoot a stream of water between your teeth and gums.
This works to remove any food debris, bacteria and plaque from the areas in-between your teeth that are hard to get at with regular floss.Â
Renata said: “The best oral irrigators feature a number of different settings, so you can adjust water pressure to suit your mouth and sensitivity.
“They’re a super gentle yet effective way to clean around the teeth, braces, dental implants and crowns without damaging any of these areas.
“People who would benefit most from purchasing a water flosser are those who struggle with dental floss, flossing is an effective way to remove food particles from teeth however if a person rushes the process they could cause damage to their gums from aggressive flossing. Improper flossing can cause gum tissue damage. “
Water flossers are a great alternative to standard string floss and work really well for people with bleeding gumsCredit: Alamy
Why should I use a water flosser?
If you do suffer with sensitive gums then water flossers are gentle and also mean you don’t have to put your hands near your mouth – as you do with string floss.
Renata said that there are select group of people who would benefit most from the technology.
“Those with bleeding gums, flossing too hard can cause bleeding gums so oral irrigators are a great alternative to this.
“Those with braces. When you have braces it can be incredibly hard to reach every bit of debris stuck within the braces and underneath the wires.”
She also explained that people who suffer from a dry mouth could benefit from using a water flosser .
“Saliva naturally cleans your mouth and prevents and plaque build-up, many people do not produce enough saliva naturally which can promote gum issues and cavities, so an oral irrigator is a good way to add moisture to a dry mouth and remove any stubborn plaque”, Renata said.
A water flosser could also be good for you if you are prone to having food stuck in your teeth.
Renata explained: “Many people often have food stuck in their teeth after eating which is usually because of the shape of their teeth or because they are not properly aligned.
“This is not only annoying for the person but can promote dental issues if the food is left for hours without being removed”, she said.
