I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
Four Types of Dental Patients Who Would Benefit From a Water Flosser
Francis Miles
If you are like most people, you understand the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth daily. While most people do not mind brushing, there are not too many who will admit that they enjoy flossing. Not only is the process often awkward, but if it is not done right, it can actually be uncomfortable. Fortunately, you can get all of the benefits of flossing and more without ever having to use flossing string. You can do this by using a water flosser.
What is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser is a small hand-held device that is normally connected to a counter unit that you are able to fill with warm water. Once you fill it and turn it on, the motor pulses the water out of the specialized tip. You then direct this stream of water along your gum line to help clean, bust up, and remove the plaque normally found at and around the base of your teeth. In addition to removing your plaque, the stream of water will also massage your gums, increase your circulation in the area, and improve your overall dental health. Although one well-known company primarily dominates the water flosser market, there are similar models made by other companies available.
Who Would Benefit from a Water Flosser?
Those Who are Diabetics
When you are diabetic, the disease affects your entire body, and your oral health is no exception. The excess of sugar or glucose in your system also affects your teeth, gums, and soft oral tissues. This excessive glucose introduced to your mouth through your saliva promotes harmful bacteria growth or an increase in plaque. If not removed, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar, which will then begin to irritate and break down your gum tissues. This infection is often referred to as gingivitis. If not treated, it will continue to progress. This will eventually lead to advanced periodontal disease.
By using a water flosser on a daily basis, you will be able to control the plaque or bio-film that grows on your teeth without causing any injury to your gums. The removal of the plaque will help you to keep your inflammation in check and reduce your chances of advanced gum disease. This will hopefully improve your oral health and help you to keep your natural teeth longer.
Those Who Already Have Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is left unchecked and the inflammation is allowed to continue, this can lead to periodontitis or advanced periodontal disease. This is a serious condition that can cause severe damage to the soft tissue and bone surrounding, as well as supporting, your teeth. One of the signs of periodontal disease is the deep pockets caused by the pockets of infection around your teeth. Even once treated, many of these deep pockets can remain. These are often nearly impossible to clean using traditional dental floss or traditional flossing methods.
A water flosser is able to shoot water into these pockets, which will in turn help to remove bacteria, plaque, and any other materials that may be present in the pocket. This rinsing of the pockets will help to remove these irritants which will lead to less inflammation and better healing.
Those Who Have Orthodontic Appliances
If you think flossing is difficult, you should try it when you have braces or other types of orthodontic appliances. It is not only tedious, but it's also very challenging. A water flosser makes this process much easier. Since the water is able to flow around the appliance, you are able to keep your teeth and appliances cleaner.
Those Who Have Plaque
If you do not fall into one of the first three categories, you fall in this one. If you just want overall better dental health with less plaque throughout your mouth, it is recommended that you consider using a water flosser. Studies have shown that with correct usage, you can expect to reduce the amount of plaque in your whole mouth by approximately 50%.
Speak to a dentist, such as Eden Prairie Dental Care, about using a water flosser. Not only will they be able to recommend the specific model they like best, but they will also be able to give you suggestions and tips to get you started.
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