Do you have problems with flossing? Do you use an oral irrigator

Even if you don't like to admit it, you don't floss very often. Sure, you know it's important to remove the film of bacteria and food particles that builds up between and on your teeth, called plaque. And you also know that you should do it every day.

 

It's just that you're, well... not very good at flossing.

 

Flossing is effective, but it takes some technique to hold it with your fingers and pass it between your teeth. For some people, it's hard to get the hang of - and some are physically unable to do so or have obstacles like braces that make it difficult.

 

There is a solution: an oral irrigator. These devices, which have been available for home use for decades, dispense pulsating water at high pressure through a handheld device that looks like an electric toothbrush. The water flows through a special tip to loosen and rinse plaque from between teeth.

 

You may have come across mouthwashes during your dental visit. They are a regular part of cleaning your teeth, especially to treat periodontal (gum) disease. As the gum tissue weakened by the disease can gradually separate from the teeth, large cavities or gaps called periodontal pockets can form. These pockets can become further infected and accumulate plaque and tartar (hardened plaque deposits), which can also spread to the roots. Mouth rinsing is one way to remove much of the plaque from these hard-to-reach areas.

 

Mouthwashes have also proven effective for orthodontic patients whose braces prevent flossing. For example, a 2008 study found that orthodontic patients were able to remove five times as much plaque with an oral irrigator as patients who used only a manual toothbrush.

 

If you're simply looking for an effective alternative to flossing, an oral irrigator is a great choice. We'll be happy to help you choose the right model and give you tips on how to use it. Your goal is the same as when you floss: to remove plaque from between your teeth to keep disease at bay and your smile healthy.