Everyone has heard a dentist say that flossing is important, but for many people, it’s a hard habit to get into. Maybe they don’t like how it feels or the time it takes, or they lack the dexterity to do it well. However, your dentist is right: Flossing is vital for oral health since it removes plaque and food particles from the crevices between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you’re not a fan of floss, consider these alternatives to the traditional waxed string.

5 Other Ways to Floss Your Teeth 

1. Dental Pick 

Dental picks floss your teeth using small bristles or rubber tines at the end of a thin rod. To get rid of plaque or food remnants between your teeth, all you need to do is insert the dental pick and gently push or lift it out, cleaning off the pick when you’re done. 

2. Floss Picks 

If you don’t mind the string but have difficulty handling it, try floss picks. The disposable kinds look like Y-shaped handles with a string between the prongs; they’re easy to use but the standard plastic models must be thrown away after each use. The non-disposable picks are shaped similarly, but you can replace the string and/or heads, so they last longer and are safer for the environment. 

3. Interdental Brush 

Fashioned as handles with bristles on one end, interdental brushes perform the job of flossing while being wielded like a toothbrush. It’s easier for those who don’t have enough coordination to use the string comfortably or simply dislike the sensation of string between their teeth.  

4. Water Floss 

To avoid putting any objects into your mouth, you can either fasten one end of a water flosser to your bathroom faucet or attach it to a water tank. After that, simply hold the flosser close to the tiny spaces between your teeth, adjust the device to the desired pressure, and wash your teeth clean. It might remind you of when your dentist uses a jet of water to clean out your mouth. 

5. Philips® Sonic AirFloss 

A Sonic AirFloss device uses both water and air to help you floss. Hold it close to the crevices between your teeth, turn it on, and the water and air will work together to push out loose plaque and bits of food for the ultimate in dental cleanliness. Since the AirFloss can be an expensive investment, ask your dentist for their opinion as to whether it’s right for you first. 

For more advice from a dentist about how to improve your flossing habits, contact Elm Dental Care in St. Charles, MO. Since they focus on preventive care, they’ll be more than happy to guide you in perfecting your oral hygiene routine and correcting existing problems with high-quality treatment. Make an appointment today by calling (636) 916-4848 or messaging them online.