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You likely already know that a quality dental care routine includes regular flossing. However, did you know there are multiple ways you can accomplish this task? Both water and traditional flossing offer a host of benefits to your oral health. But how do they differ, and which method is right for you? To best care for your teeth and incorporate the right techniques into your oral hygiene routine, consult the guide below. 

Traditional Flossing

dental careWhen you think about dental care, you probably think about traditional flossing, where you use a piece of floss to remove food particles from in between your teeth. Traditional flossing is easy to do anywhere, as most floss packets are small enough to transport. You can also buy different types of floss, such as waxed or thick varieties, depending on your personal preference.

When you use the floss, curve it around the base of each tooth, and use a clean section for the next tooth. If you’re not used to flossing, you may experience some gum irritation and bleeding at first, but this should get better over time.

Water Flossing

This type of flossing uses a hand-held device that emits steady streams of water. This water is aimed between your teeth to flush out any food particles that may be stuck in there. Water flossing is easy on the gums, and there’s no chance you’ll accidentally get cut like there is with floss.

The downside to this technique is that the device isn’t portable, so you may be tempted to skip flossing when you’re not at home. However, the American Dental Association considers this variety a good option to clean in between your teeth if you had dental work that makes using traditional floss difficult, such as getting braces or a dental bridge.

 

Do you have questions about flossing and proper dental care? If so, make an appointment for a teeth cleaning and checkup with the team at Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. The dentist will be happy to show you how to take good care of your teeth to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Visit their website to learn more about the services they offer, and give them a call today at (907) 272-8422.

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