Your regular brushing routine needs to be complimented with flossing or interdental brushes. Toothbrushes cannot reach every corner of the mouth, which is where flossing does its job. Routine brushing with flossing can focus on eliminating plaque buildup.
Two popular methods of more focused cleaning other than regular brushing are flossing and interdental brushing. Which one is right for you? Let us guide you.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each method and will recommend the best for you.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes can be an effective flossing alternative. These are small, specialised brushes designed to clean between teeth where regular toothbrushes can fail to reach. People suffering from gum diseases will find interdental brushes effective. These brushes help remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. Areas that are often hard to clean with a regular toothbrush will get effective cleaning with interdental brushes.
Pros Of Using Interdental Brushes
Here is a list of advantages of using interdental brushes:
Plaque Removal
Interdental brushes are highly effective at removing plaque and the bacteria caused in between the teeth and along the gumline. People with gum disease will find it comfortable and effective to use.
Prevention From Cavities
Interdental cleaning helps prevent the formation of cavities, especially in areas that aren’t in reach of your toothbrush.
Easy Use
Interdental brushes are customised to suit individual needs. These are easy to use and can involve choosing different brush sizes, shapes or bristle types based on the gaps between your teeth.
Comfortable Hold
The tiny handle of interdental brushes allows you to use them comfortably and are great for getting in between teeth.
Cons Of Using Interdental Brushes
There can be some disadvantages of sung interdental brushes especially if it is your first time using these:
Learning Curve
If it is your first time using interdental brushes you may not know where to start using them effectively. However, once you get it you may find it easier and faster to use.
Discomfort
First-time interdental brush users can find the interdental cleanser a bit uncomfortable, especially if they are habitual in using other methods.
Cost
Interdental brushes can cost more than flossing but their reusable quality makes it worth investing in them.
Flossing
With regular brushing, flossing is important because it helps maintain a healthy dental practice. Most people are familiar with flossing and its usage. Flossing is the process of using a thin, flexible string also known as dental floss.
This dental floss is used to remove plaque, food particles and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. You can get prevention for cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Pros Of Flossing
Here are some of the advantages of flossing regularly:
Plaque Removal
Flossing helps get rid of plaque and bacteria that form between teeth. It glides smoothly between teeth and reaches where a toothbrush can’t.
Prevent Cavities
Flossing helps prevent the formation of cavities. It removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline.
Avoid the Risk Of Gingivitis
Flossing helps prevent gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease.
Cons Of Flossing
Here look at the disadvantages flossing can bring:
Difficult
Flossing can be a difficult thing to deal with. It needs to be ensured that floss reaches the right spots without causing harm to gums. Flossing can be a struggle with large or shaky hands.
Time-Consuming
Proper flossing can take more time to deal with the gumline between each tooth. The effectiveness of flossing is highly dependent on you reaching every spot. People often rush and compromise with efforts with improper techniques.
Discomfort
Flossing can lead to bleeding and discomfort by harming your gums if you are not flossing correctly. This can be better with time if you practice it daily and use the right technique.
Hard To Floss With Braces
If you have braces on you might find it difficult to floss. This can lead to ineffective form or incomplete coverage.
Interdental Brushes Or Flossing: Which One Is The Best?
There is no proper answer to this question because the use of interdental brushes or flossing is highly recommended according to individual preferences. People with braces will find it difficult to use floss whereas it will be easy and effective to use interdental brushes.
Although interdental brushes are reusable they might be costlier than flossing. You need to be replaced periodically which can make interdental brushes expensive to use. Some people also find interdental brushes more comfortable and time-saving as compared to flossing. Not everyone is the same and so are the choices.
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