Many people choose to skip flossing. According to a survey by the American Academy of Periodontology, about one-third of people would opt to do difficult chores such as waiting in a row for something or washing dishes rather than flossing daily. Replacing the use of traditional flossing thread with an electric flosser may make the flossing practice more convenient and enjoyable.

Flossing removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque from between the teeth, alleviating the risk of gum disease and helping to improve both oral and overall health. But it is also true that maneuvering the flossing thread across interdental spaces can be a bit tricky for most people. In such situations, an electric flosser may be the most appropriate alternative.

Types of electric flossers

There are two types of electric flossers available: water flosser and air flosser. Differentiating both flossers from each other might be a bit confusing for some people as both devices use water to clean interdental spaces. An air flosser doesn’t use as much water as the water-based appliance. A water flosser produces a consistent stream of water, while an air flosser throws jets of air that have water droplets.

How does an electric flosser work?

Electric flossers use a flosser tip, which passes out the stream of water, and a water reservoir. This reservoir may be the handle of the appliance or a separate tank to which you can connect the flosser tip via tubing.

These appliances use a pump to throw air or water through the tip. Some flossers are rechargeable, while some might need to be plugged in before you may use them. Portability is one of the most significant benefits of a rechargeable electric flosser. The stream of water thrown by the flosser has enough pressure to dislodge and wash away food debris, plaque, and bacteria from interdental spaces.

Who can benefit from these flossers?

People who have braces, arthritis, or dental bridges may find it particularly challenging to use traditional flossing thread. Such people can consider using an electric flosser to clean their interdental spaces. The ADA suggests that people who have had dental work or other problems that make it hard to floss by hand are the right candidates for electric flossers.

No matter what option you use, the most crucial thing is to remain adherent to an effective flossing routine to ensure proper prevention of dental issues that can occur as a result of untreated plaque in the interdental spaces. An electric flosser is just an alternative to make flossing a smoother and more enjoyable process. It saves you from the hassle that results from having to wind a long thread around your fingers and unwind it after scrubbing every tooth. Also, you may not like to keep your mouth wide open while cleaning the back teeth using a flossing thread. An electric flosser is an answer to all these concerns.

An electric flosser is generally safe for everyone, yet you may want to speak to your dentist regarding whether or not it’s an ideal option in your case.