When it comes to choosing a flossing instrument, there are not only several types of dental floss, but a few alternatives that could help you. G.W. Schamback, the owner of Perfect Smile Dental in Stuart, Florida, is a veteran of tooth care, with over 30 years of dental experience under his belt. Here, he describes a few of these alternatives to standard dental floss.
There are several alternative instruments to dental floss for those who find it too difficult, painful (due to sensitive gums or gum disease), or ineffective (due to braces or delicate bridge work) to floss their teeth the usual way. But remember one thing: Never use a toothpick as a substitute for flossing. Toothpicks can tear delicate gum tissue and may damage existing dental restorations. Here are some dental floss alternatives:
Flosser
A flosser holds the floss taut so you can move it back and forth without having to hold it with your fingers. It has a long handle at the end so you can hold it comfortably, and it’s manual, not mechanical. A flosser can be helpful to those who are handicapped or have other medical problems and have trouble manipulating standard dental floss correctly. Arthritis and other conditions may sometimes prevent older people from flossing, so the flosser can help them.
Rota-Dent Toothbrush
The Rota-Dent toothbrush mimics professional dental cleaning equipment in that it rotates and has a micro brush that gets in-between the teeth. So if you are a lousy flosser, it makes up for that at least a little bit – though you still have to floss in addition to using the Rota-Dent. And just as with the flosser, older people and those with arthritis can benefit from its easier grip.
Water Pick
One popular flossing alternative is called a water pick, or irrigator. Water picks use powerful tiny bursts of water to blast away food particles and other debris in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Dentists use professional-grade water picks when preparing a tooth for restoration, or in general cleaning and exams.
I don’t often recommend water picks to my patients, but they are definitely better than not brushing or flossing, and some people really like them. Water picks don’t remove any plaque, but they do have some tissue-stimulating ability, and they remove large pieces of food. Water picks are best to use after brushing or flossing.
People with painful gum disease or highly sensitive gums may find water picks useful for supplementing their brushing regimen. And people with orthodontia, including braces, have found water picks quite useful because toothbrush bristles often get stuck.
For Those with Special Needs
Those who have a hard time holding onto a piece of floss or a toothbrush can try supplementing the toothbrush handle with a rubber handle grip or ball, or even lengthening the handle with a stick or piece of plastic. You can also tie floss into a tiny loop on either side, making it easier to grasp and control the floss with your fingers. Antibacterial rinses (over-the-counter and by prescription) are also somewhat effective in terms of accomplishing the same goals as dental floss.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
