Traditional Floss vs. Floss Picks

Flossing isn’t particularly fun or easy, but it’s necessary for a healthy mouth. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we encourage our patients to floss at least once a day, everyday. But what should you use? Is traditional floss better than a floss pick? Does one clean better than the other?

Traditional Floss

Traditional floss has been tested and proven to help remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque in between teeth, so we already know that it’s effective. But is it the best choice? The short answer, is yes. And no. Let us explain.

Many times, flossing depends on the individual. Traditional floss can be more difficult to control, especially if someone has limited use of their hands or fingers. It can also be a bit more complicated to reach all the way into the back to clean the molars with traditional floss.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are typically either Y or F shaped pieces of plastic with a small piece of floss threaded through the opening. One of main reasons to choose floss picks over traditional floss is their ease of use. It’s easier to reach the back of the mouth with floss picks and they can be more comfortable. But again, it comes down to personal situations and what works best for you.

Sometimes, people whose teeth are tighter together have difficulty wedging a floss pick in between teeth. In this situation, traditional floss is recommended. Additionally, if using a floss pick, you may need more than one each time you floss due to the small size of the actual piece of floss.

When it comes to effectiveness, there are mixed opinions on whether traditional floss and floss picks are equally efficient. Some studies show that both clean between your teeth really well. Other research suggests floss picks are less effective since their shape can limit their ability to reach below the gum line and all the way around each tooth.

No matter which form of floss you choose, make sure you’re doing it. Flossing can help prevent gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. While proper flossing and brushing go a long way in getting and keeping a healthy mouth, don’t neglect regular appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands. They’re just as important to your smile.

Serving patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Cool Off, Take a Swim, Protect Your Smile

During the summer heat, one of the best ways to cool off is to take a dip in your favorite swimming pool. While swimming is super effective at giving you a break from the sweltering sun, it can also negatively affect your smile. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’d like to warn our patients of the oral health risks associated with too much time in the pool.

The link between pool water and oral health has been studied since the mid-1980s, and isn’t a new concept to dentists. But many people aren’t totally aware of all the risks involved with excessive swimming. Sure, your hair can turn green, you can smell like chlorine all summer, and you may suffer from dry skin. But your teeth are also in danger of some pretty serious stuff.

Pool owners everywhere typically use chemicals to balance the pH level of the water, and keep it safe for their families. The ideal pH in pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.8. Often, however, the pH drops below this safe zone, and when that happens, the water is too acidic and is actually considered corrosive. A low pH level can cause skin irritation, burning of the eyes, tooth discoloration, and enamel erosion.

The Importance of Enamel

Tooth enamel protects teeth against harmful plaque and bacteria, and without it, teeth are at increased risk for decay. Besides pool water, there are many summer favorites that can contribute to enamel erosion like lemonade and sangria. Avoiding high levels of acid is key to keeping your summer smile healthy.

What to Look For

If you only visit the pool once in awhile, you decrease your chances of having a pool water related problem. But if you’re a competitive swimmer, spend all day, everyday in the pool, or swim everyday for exercise, keep an eye out for the common signs of a problem. You may start to experience sensitivity or even have unexplainable brown tartar spots on your teeth. This tooth discoloration is commonly known as swimmer’s calculus. If you notice any of these changes, visit your dentist in The Woodlands as soon as you can.

How to Protect Your Grin

You don’t need to give up swimming this summer out of fear. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of precaution. Make sure to check a pool’s pH level often, keep pool water out of your mouth as much as possible, and maintain regular visits to my dental office in The Woodlands. The more often you come to see us, the faster we can detect a problem, and the quicker we can fix it. That means less time at the dentist and more time spent relaxing poolside.

Accepting patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.