If you sometimes skip flossing, you're not the only one. According to the results obtained in a research study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Sciences, it was seen that people are only aware about tooth brushing and tongue scrapping as the remedial measures for halitosis. There was a lack of knowledge among the respondents about the availability of other oral hygiene methods such as mouthwash or flossing. An electric flosser might make the task more enjoyable. Flossing removes food particles and other debris from between the teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and helping improve your overall oral health. But maneuvering string floss around your teeth can be a pain. If you've been avoiding flossing because it's too tricky or because you just don't like the traditional method, an electric flosser may be a suitable alternative.
Types of Electric Flossers
There are two main types of electric flossers currently in the market: water flossers and air flossers. The distinction between the two can be a bit confusing, as air flossers also use water to clean between the teeth and around the gumline. The amount of water used by an air flosser is considerably less than the amount of water used by a water flosser. A water flosser produces a stream of water, while an air flosser produces jets of air that contain tiny water droplets.
How Do Electric Flossers Work?
Typically, both air and water flossers have a flosser tip, which the stream passes through, and a reservoir that contains the water. The reservoir might be built into the handle of the flosser or be a separate tank that connects to the flosser.Flossers use a motor or pump to push the air or water up from the reservoir and through the flosser tip. Some flossers are battery-powered and only need to be plugged in to recharge, while others need to be plugged into an outlet during use. Battery-powered flossers with built-in reservoirs are typically more portable than plug-in flossers with separate water tanks.Electric flossers work by directing a stream of air and water or just water into the spaces between the teeth. The pressure of the stream helps loosen and rinse away little pieces of food, debris and plaque from between the teeth.
Are Electric Flossers as Effective as Traditional Floss?
Several small studies that have compared water flossers to traditional floss have landed in favour of using water flossers.A research study published in the International Journal of Dental Research & Development (IJDRD) notes that both the powered and manual toothbrushes reduce plaque significantly and this efficiency is further enhanced with the use of dental floss along with the toothbrushes. A review published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology noted that individuals who used oral irrigators (another name for water flossers) had less gum bleeding than those who used string floss.
Who Benefits From Electric Flossers?
Manoeuvring string floss around the teeth and other dental devices can be particularly challenging for people with braces, arthritis or dental bridges. The ADA states that electric flossers can be a suitable option for people with dental work or who have difficulty flossing by hand. No matter which method you choose, flossing is an important part of your daily oral health routine. If you have trouble flossing or don't currently floss, an electric device could provide an ideal solution. If you're interested in making the switch from string floss to an electric flosser, it's a good idea to speak with your dentist or dental hygienist first. They can explain how to use the flosser for the best results and offer guidance to help you choose the one that suits your needs.
