The Alternative to Flossing That Few People Talk About

It can be difficult enough as it is to get a child to practice proper dental hygiene each night before bed. Once a child has braces, though, dental hygiene becomes even more crucial. If a child is not careful to continue proper dental hygiene, then the risk of tooth decay and staining is greater with braces.

Restrictions included with braces

A child with braces can face difficulty in keeping teeth clean as the child deals with certain restrictions on what he or she can eat. Mouthhealthy.org explains that with braces, “a healthy diet is always important,” and that “eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets that could permanently stain or damage your teeth.”

Regardless of this fact, many children can be picky eaters when it comes to healthy foods. Along with that, school cafeteria food is not always known for being healthy. Thus, parents have to keep a constant eye on a child with braces. Depending on the age, that can be easier said than done. For children and even adults, flossing with braces can seem difficult. Fortunately, there is an alternative to flossing that people may not be aware of; known as the Waterpik® Water Flosser.

Make flossing efficient and fun

The Waterpik® Water Flosser is an alternative to flossing that can help clean between the teeth and bracket, while also being easy to use. The Waterpik® Water Flosser also comes in alternate versions, one of which is designed for children, to help with cleaning teeth. The steps are fairly simple. Once one fills “the Water Flosser reservoir with lukewarm water” he or she then simply adjusts “the pressure control (start at low pressure),” according to waterpik.com.

The Waterpik® Water Flosser is not a power washer and will not harm a child’s or adult’s teeth so long as one is careful and uses the product properly. Once the patient turns the water flosser on, he or she merely needs to, “Close lips to prevent splashing, while allowing water to flow from the mouth into the sink,” the website explains. It is important to start with the back teeth and “gently glide the tip along the gumline.”

Finally, one simply lightly brushes the area following the Waterpik® Water Flosser and continues the process. This product is one example of how children with braces can floss and not feel like they are completing a chore. Children will be able to wear braces and have healthy teeth in the process. Parents do not need to fear the worst or watch their child like a hawk when it comes to braces. By using this alternative to flossing, children will be able to have healthy and straight teeth.

Explore additional oral health topics covered on our website:

• Common Problems with Braces
• Orthodontics Sterling, VA
• Orthodontics for Adults
• Types of Braces

Titan Dental Care

At Titan Dental Care in Sterling, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and find the best solution.

Our staff will create a calm and comforting atmosphere at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Titan Dental Care, your dental health is our prime concern.