What Works and What Doesn’t
According to some public surveys, when it comes to flossing teeth, people tend to be resourceful with tools in cases the appropriate flossing equipment isn’t available. The items picked up were common, everyday tools but were a bit unusual. Just to remove a piece of food stuck in between teeth, a survey of American adults found that most of them used fingernails, folder paper or cards, cutlery, safety pins and hair strand.
On top of this, the survey found that 63% of the adults admit they know better than to use those items in comparison to dental picks, interdental brushes, floss and water flossing tools. Also, 42% say they’ve felt pain as a result of using those unusual items. Additionally, an ADA survey echoes the findings from the public survey reporting that patients have told their dentists they’ve used unsanitary and unsafe items to clean between their teeth, including: twigs, toenails, matchbooks, loose electrical wires, screwdrivers and pocket knives.
What do these findings highlight?
That flossing is essential, in tandem with toothbrushing, and that ADA dentists talk with their patients about cleaning between their teeth daily using the correct tools to extricate food debris that can cause plaque build-up, which lead to dental decay, gum sensitivity and bad breath. However, it’s good to find what works best for you everyday. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then it’s safe for teeth and will get the job done.
Other findings disclosed from the public survey are the following: 16% said they always floss at least once a day; 20% said they only floss when they need to or when something is stuck in their teeth; and 8% said they simply never floss. About 55% reported the biggest reason for not flossing everyday: it’s too time-consuming. Another 16% said it was too painful and 9% said they find it gross. 44% admit they have exaggerated to their dentist about how much they floss when asked.
Safe and effective products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance means the products passed clinical and/or laboratory tests and met ADA and applicable American National Standards Institute-approved dental standards. They can be recommended by dentists, such as manual interdental cleaners, like the traditional string floss and wooden plaque removers, and for the non-manual, the powered interdental cleaner.
SourceRecommending ADA-approved Flossing Products
Lynnwood dentistry will only recommend flossing instruments that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. For our patients, only tools that are safe and effective will do. Come see us for an appointment.
