The importance of brushing morning and night has been ingrained in our minds. So, we must brush after waking up and before going to bed. But between those hours, we eat and drink. It is natural for food particles to get stuck in the teeth. Sometimes gargling helps, but most people use a toothpick if it’s readily available. Some people carry dental floss with them to remove stubborn food particles. Is Dental Flossing Better Than Toothpicks? Let’s find out what an expert has to say about this.
To find out if dental floss is better than toothpicks, Health Shots got in touch with Gurugram-based Prosthodontist Dr Shweta Setia Thareja.
cleaning equipment after meals
Some people have a habit of using floss or a toothpick after eating to maintain oral hygiene. While both floss and toothpicks serve as cleaning tools after meals, their effectiveness and suitability differ. Dr. Thareja says that flossing is often considered preferable because it can reach the tight crevices between teeth where food particles and plaque collect. Flossing removes debris and helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Toothpicks, on the other hand, are better at removing large food particles stuck between the teeth, but they cannot remove plaque or reach deep crevices as efficiently.
toothpick vs dental floss
When it comes to oral hygiene, both toothpicks and floss have their advantages and disadvantages. A toothpick is a quick and easy way to remove large food particles stuck between your teeth. Even then, they may not be successful in clearing narrow spaces or removing plaque. On the other hand, floss can reach areas that toothpicks cannot, thereby removing debris and reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Flossing is quite effective, but requires more time and dexterity. In addition, improper use of toothpicks or floss can cause discomfort or injury to the gums.
The expert says that a balanced strategy including both tools can optimize dental health. Floss can serve as the primary method of thorough cleaning and toothpicks can be used selectively only when necessary.
Is water flosser better for dental care?
Water flossers, which dentists call oral irrigators, are an alternative to standard dental floss and toothpicks. Dr. Thareja says that it uses a stream of water to remove dirt and plaque from between the teeth and along the gums. Water flossers can be extremely beneficial for people with braces, implants or sensitive gums.
It provides a gentle and effective cleaning process that reaches areas that floss and toothpicks may neglect. Nevertheless, there are significant health concerns associated with improper application of a water flosser. Excessive pressure or improper technique can result in damaged gums or even bacteria moving further into the gums. Therefore, it is essential to follow directions and check with a dental professional to ensure safe and effective use.
Tips to Maintain Oral Hygiene
Whether it’s floss or toothpicks, it can be helpful to incorporate them into your oral hygiene routine. But for strong and healthy teeth and gums, you need to do more than that. Here are some useful tips:
• When you brush your teeth twice a day, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will ensure that all surfaces of your gum line and teeth are clean.
• Consider using an antibiotic mouthwash to get rid of bacteria and freshen your breath.
• Eat a balanced diet as this promotes overall dental health, and reduce sugary and acidic foods and beverages to help prevent tooth decay.
• Have six-monthly dental exams to enable professional cleaning, early detection of problems, and your doctor’s recommendations.
Follow these tips to keep your dental hygiene in good shape.
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