Toss The Floss ~ Oral Irrigators Could Be A Better Option For Certain People

Good oral hygiene habits are essential for healthy gums and teeth. Most people know that they should be brushing a minimum of twice a day and flossing a minimum of once a day, but some people skimp on flossing for various reasons. If you dislike flossing for any reason, you should consider discussing the use of an oral irrigator with your dentist. You must do something to remove the bacteria and food that becomes trapped between teeth. Not addressing the issue could lead to serious oral health issues such as decay, gum disease or tooth loss. Read on to learn about some specific circumstances where the use of oral irrigators may be more ideal than flossing. 

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. During this stage, people may have swollen gums that bleed. It does not necessarily have to be a significant amount of blood. Keep in mind bleeding gums are not normal even if you frequently use hard bristled toothbrushes. Due to the sensitivity of the gums during gingivitis, and their propensity to bleed, using an oral irrigator is a gentle way to cleanse between the teeth. 

Advanced gum disease is referred to as periodontal disease. During this stage, other symptoms, such as pockets forming between the gums and teeth, can occur. Even if you could tolerate flossing with advanced gum disease, you would not be able to floss in the area where the pockets are located. Since the pockets are loose, food and bacteria can get trapped in them. An oral irrigator is an option for rinsing away these contaminants. 

Diabetes

Diabetics are prone to bleeding easily, and they also may have difficulties with fast healing. This means that even a small cut or gum abrasion could be serious for diabetics. These individuals could benefit from using oral irrigators to reduce or eliminate bleeding they may experience from flossing. 

Orthodontic or Bridge Wearers

Food and bacteria attach to braces and bridges. Oral irrigators operate by the use of a concentrated flow of water or another liquid. This allows users to control exactly where the the liquid goes. They can even adjust the pressure of the liquid for material that is stuck and stubborn. Sometimes it is difficult for people to floss around their orthodontic treatments and bridges. This is another reason why oral irrigators may be ideal for them. 

Final Thoughts

A dentist is the best resource to use when you are planning your oral health regimen. They can help you to choose an oral irrigator, and show you how to use it. Your dentist may advise you to use another solution in your oral irrigator if you have certain issues, and you may also be required to use the irrigator more than once a day if bacterial infections are a major concern.

Always use the devices according to your dentist's recommendation, rather than the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep in mind that some people with healthy gums and teeth also favor oral irrigators.