Emergency Dentist: Flossing And Mouthwashes 101

Maintaining dental hygiene is extremely crucial to keep your mouth clean and free from diseases and other problems like bad breath. Good oral hygiene cannot be maintained by only brushing your teeth twice a day. No matter how well or for how long you brush your teeth, you need to include flossing and use an appropriate mouthwash in your dental cleaning regime. Let's dig deeper and talk about floss and mouthwash in detail.

What Type of Floss is the Best?
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Generally, there are two main types of dental floss - waxed and unwaxed. There’s no difference in the cleaning power of these floss types, but the effectiveness differs. Waxed floss are better as they easily glide into the tighter nooks between your teeth. But if you are allergic to wax, the unwaxed floss is your solution. People who have large gaps between their teeth prefer dental tape over dental floss. Dental tape is broader and flatter than standard floss and comes in waxed or unwaxed variants. You can also use floss picks, water flossers, or pre-threaded floss for added ease. The major drawback of floss picks is that they cannot reach various angles of your mouth like how a simple floss thread does.

Pros of Flossing your Teeth

• Flossing removes food particles and bacteria trapped between the teeth and in the difficult-to-reach notches of mouth.
• Flossing cleans your teeth properly that brushing fails to do.
• Flossing prevents plaque build-ups, periodontal diseases, halitosis (bad breath), and other dental problems.

Cons of Flossing your Teeth

• Traditional floss can be complicated to use.
• Flossing can be irritating for people who have sensitive gums and can also result in bleeding gums.

Which Mouthwash is the Best?
A variety of mouthwashes are available in the market that perform specialized functions. Some simply help eliminate bad breath while some are made to strengthen teeth and tooth enamel. There are special therapeutic mouthwashes for various dental problems. So, according to your requirements, you can select an appropriate mouthwash. One thing you must keep in mind while choosing your mouthwash is that you must pick fluoridated, alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry your mouth.

Pros of Mouthwash Rinsing

• Fluoridated mouthwashes strengthen your teeth and provide extra protection against tooth decay.
• Mouthwashes prevent cavities and provide a clean mouth.
• Mouthwash rinsing helps pregnant women as it eliminates bacteria that can lead to preterm birth.
• Mouthwashes can disinfect the affected area around a canker sore.

Cons of Mouthwash Rinsing

• Mouthwash rinsing is a part of oral hygiene regimes and not a substitute for brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene methods.
• Mouthwash rinsing doesn’t eliminate bad breath. It just covers it up.
• Mouthwashes with high alcohol levels can irritate your gums and result in dry mouth.

Now that you know everything about floss and mouthwash, you can choose the correct floss and mouthwash, and use it appropriately to maintain your dental health. Call our emergency dentists today to book your appointment or to know more about oral health and hygiene.

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