Flossing vs Oral Irrigation: Which Is Better?

October 2, 2017

In your quest to take the absolute best care of your teeth, you might have considered oral irrigation as an upgrade to flossing. Simply put, oral irrigation involves using high-pressure jets of water to clean between your teeth to better ensure you get into all the spaces your toothbrush and floss are unable to reach. In our quest to teach you as much as possible about proper oral health in Medford, NJ and Moorestown, NJ, we’d like to provide you with a quick guide on whether you are better off with floss or a dental water jet.

Traditional Floss

The key to making traditional dental floss wholly effective is to use it correctly. This involves just the right amount of pressure to get rid of plaque between your teeth, but not so much that you cause your gums to bleed. You also might prefer how inexpensive dental floss is when compared to oral irrigation. With that in mind, you could have a hard time using floss correctly if you wear braces, or if you have sensitive gums.

Oral Irrigation

When using a jet of water to clean between your teeth, you have a gentle way to clean your gums when used at the proper speed. Those who wear braces appreciate how water jets are able to easily clean between brackets and wires, giving them the confidence and reassurance that comes with knowing their teeth are as clean as can be. That being said, even oral irrigation isn’t without its weaknesses when it comes to getting rid of all the plaque lining your teeth.

Which Is Better?

The truth of the matter is that both flossing and oral irrigators are effective when used correctly. That being said, you might have your preferences when you try them out for yourself.

Let Us Help

Know that Dr. Canal, Dr. Calem and the rest of the staff at Canal Calem Periodontics are here to help you choose the right floss and oral irrigator for your needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (609) 534-5541 in Medford, NJ or at (856) 203-6588 in Moorestown, NJ if you’d like to discuss the options with our periodontists.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]