But how can you make sure you use dental floss picks properly? And are they effective? Below, the dental experts at Northside Dental Clinic will answer these questions for you.
How do I floss with dental floss picks?
Dental floss picks aren’t the same as normal floss strings because they use the same small piece of floss throughout your entire mouth. It can also be difficult to curve the floss picks to get into all the different angles and surfaces of your teeth. However, if you use the right technique, flossing with dental floss picks can be an effective way to fight plaque and bacteria buildup between your teeth, on the surface of your teeth, and underneath your gums.
To start, here are three easy steps to follow while flossing with dental floss pics:
Use the pick to get between two of your teeth and gently press it against your gums.
Slide the pick with an in and out motion to remove any food particles from between your teeth.
Rinse the floss pick as needed to make sure it stays clean.
Flossing is just one of several options for interdental cleaning. It should be noted that floss is most advantageous in sites where healthy papillae fill embrasure spaces; open embrasures that often accompany tissue loss are likely better served by other devices, such as the Interdental Brush. To be effective, any interproximal device must be used properly; thus, there is need for quality research studies with comparable methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of floss and other interproximal devices in reducing gingival inflammation.
Typically made to appear clear so it will be less visible, orthodontic wax is made of natural substances, such as carnauba wax, beeswax or paraffin wax. It also contains some modifiers and fillers to make it function better. You can get tasteless wax for braces or products that come in a variety of flavors including mint.
Why Use Dental Wax for Braces?
Traditional orthodontic braces include metal brackets that hold wires, which run around the teeth. After a period of time, this wire is tightened to apply pressure to the teeth and help guide them into alignment. Sometimes brackets can irritate the soft tissue inside the mouth as they rub against it. The tongue and cheek are especially sensitive early on, since they haven’t had a chance to get used to the contact. While you wait for these areas to toughen, you can use orthodontic wax to cover a troublesome bracket and help protect your tongue, lips and cheek from abrasions.
