Flossing can be a difficult task to master and some people may struggle to floss in the traditional way; for instance, due to disabilities such as arthritis, children may struggle to floss effectively using the traditional method and some may just simply find the action awkward. For whatever reason people might find flossing awkward, there are several flossing aids which make flossing more comfortable or more effective when you struggle to floss in the traditional way. Here we will look at the following flossing aids and their uses and advantages:
- Power/vibrating dental flossers
- Floss holders
- Flossing sticks
- Floss threaders
Power flossers
A power flosser is similar to an electric toothbrush in that it allows you to floss with less pressure applied to the teeth and gums but still with maximum impact in cleaning the surface. It works by inserting the small tip between the teeth as you would traditional dental floss and continuing to clean as you would in traditional methods, with an up and down motion.
Power flossers often use vibration which transfers through the floss and helps to temporarily separate the tooth and gum for the floss to get through and clean the area below the gum line. Doing this using the traditional method can be hard to master and people can be put off the idea because of the fact that the floss has to be put under the gum line. Vibrating flossers make this process much less tricky and uncomfortable.
Furthermore, the fact that less physical force has to be applied when getting the floss into any tight gaps means that you have more control over the floss and are much less likely to cause any damage to the gum tissue as pressure is more evenly distributed.
The final benefit of a vibrating flosser is the fact that the vibrating motion can be soothing and has the effect of massaging the gums. The only downside to this flossing aid is the expense as they cost significantly more money than conventional flossers.
Floss holders
Floss holders are fork like objects with two prongs around which you place either end of the dental floss. The device holds a single length of floss tautly between the two prongs and is then used in the conventional manner; as if the two prongs are doing the job of the fingers in the traditional method.
Floss holders come in a range of shapes, colours and lengths and are available for both adults and children. The holders usually come in either an ‘F’ or ‘Y’ shape and the choice of which to use is really a personal preference. The varying length is also a personal preference but it is generally found that holders with shorter handles are more difficult to use.
Flossing sticks/handles
Flossing sticks, or handles, are very similar to floss holders in terms of the purpose they serve. The flossing stick looks like a common or garden stick with a small floss head on the end which is disposable and can be replaced with a refill. The flossing stick is most effective when the floss is wound tightly around the floss head. Basically, the tighter the floss is wrapped around the floss head the greater its effectiveness in removing plaque and debris.
The long handle and contoured grip makes the flossing stick ideal for people with arthritis. The small head incorporates a swivelling action and this works well in conjunction with the long handle in reaching the very back teeth; an area that flossers can often find difficult to floss effectively. The downside to the flossing stick is that it can be more difficult to floss the area below the gum line and it may be more difficult to floss at all of the angles you can manage with your fingers.
Floss threaders
The final flossing aid, this time specifically for those with dental braces, retainers, bridges and crowns is the floss threader; a small device with a loop attached to the end which slides into small gaps around dental appliances with ease. Imagine it as a needle with a large eye. The floss is threaded though the loop and as you insert the threader into the gaps around the dental appliance, the floss follows, allowing for effective flossing. If you require more information on flossing with dental appliances, this is the focus of the next section.
With an array of flossing aids available, flossing is made simple for almost everybody. For those who find the traditional method difficult for one reason or another, a flossing aid may provide the answer for your flossing needs. With the range of flossing aids available today there really is no excuse for compromising your oral health by not flossing regularly and effectively.