Are floss picks better than floss?

While this may be convenient, floss picks are not as effective as regular floss. Floss picks do not allow you to reach all the angles that regular floss can so you won't be able to clean your teeth as effectively. Regular floss is recommended, but floss picks are better than nothing for your oral health.
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Why do dentists not like floss picks?

They may prevent proper flossing technique.

A floss pick's segment of floss is fixed in a certain position, which can make it difficult to fully clean around each tooth and below the gum line. It cannot be curved into the recommended “C” shape and steered into tight spaces.
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Are floss picks good enough?

Are floss picks as good as regular floss? While it's better to use a floss pick than not floss at all, it's important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth's surface. At The Steele Creek Dentist in Charlotte, we recommend traditional floss or tape.
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Can you floss with floss picks?

Yes, dental floss picks are an effective way to floss, especially if you're on the go, such as between work meetings or camping without access to a bathroom and sink. However, they are more difficult to use than traditional floss and you may not be able to reach all areas inside your mouth.
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Do floss picks spread bacteria?

Why are floss picks bad? Using floss picks is not as good as traditional floss because they keep using the same piece of floss over and over again, which may cause bacteria to spread from one part of your mouth to another.
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Dentist Reviews Dentek Floss Picks! Pros



Can floss picks hurt your gums?

Floss picks can be tough on sensitive gum tissue.

If you have tight contacts between teeth which provides a bit of resistance when inserting floss between your teeth, when flossing with a segment of floss, you can wiggle the floss back and forth to avoid snapping the floss onto your gum tissue.
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Is Waterpik better than floss?

The scientific research shows that oral irrigation, such as the Waterpik, is superior to string floss in reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, most dentists continue to recommend flossing before or after using a Waterpik.
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Should I floss before or after brushing?

The short answer: It does. While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.
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Why does it smell when I floss my back teeth?

If, after flossing, your floss smells bad, it may be the result of food particles that were not removed and that have begun to rot. A bad smell may also mean there is tooth decay or gum problems that are harboring odor-causing bacteria.
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Is it better to floss in the morning or at night?

The best time to floss is when you have time to floss properly. For many people, this means flossing at night before bed. This may also prevent food particles from remaining in your teeth overnight, which will reduce possible damage from bacteria.
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Should you put toothpaste on floss?

brush first because the fluoride from the toothpaste will get pushed in between the teeth while flossing, and. floss first because it will break up plaque between the teeth for the brush to remove.
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Can you replace flossing with a WaterPik?

A water pick can help remove food particles from your teeth and might help reduce bleeding and gum disease — but it isn't generally considered a substitute for brushing and flossing. It doesn't generally remove visible film and plaque on your teeth, but can aid in reduction of bacteria even below the gumline.
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Can WaterPik damage teeth?

3. Can a Water Flosser damage teeth or gums? Though some may find that their gums bleed when they first use one, a Water Flosser does not damage teeth or gums. It is gentle on the oral cavity and acts similar to flossing.
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What do dentists say about water flossers?

The American Dental Association says water flossers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance can get rid of plaque. That's the film that turns into tartar and leads to cavities and gum disease. But some studies find water flossers don't remove plaque as well as traditional floss.
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Why do I feel a pulse in my gums after flossing?

Everyone has different sensitivity levels, and having infrequent sore gums is not something to worry over. Sometimes it is caused by brushing too hard or flossing. However, throbbing in the mouth and gums can mean infection. Other evidence of ingestion would be swelling within the mouth and face.
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Can receding gums grow back?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
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Can I put Listerine in my Waterpik?

Chlorhexidine and Listerine have been clinically tested for safe use in a water flosser, according to Waterpik, a leading brand water flosser. It is important to note that any time a solution other than water is used in your water flossing machine, make certain you thoroughly rinse the machine after use.
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Does a Waterpik cause gums to recede?

A water flosser doesn't typically damage your teeth or gums. In fact, a water flosser may cause less damage to teeth and gums than regular floss. If you feel that your oral health could be improved by using a Waterpik, talk to your dentist about it at your next visit to Eagle Harbor Dental.
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How many times a day should you use a Waterpik?

You should use your Waterpik® Water Flosser at least once per day. Why? To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once per day and brush your teeth at least twice per day.
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Does a Waterpik remove tartar?

Water flossers direct a stream of water to clean away any leftover plaque* and food debris from teeth and gums—but they cannot remove hardened tartar.
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Can Waterpik remove hard plaque?

The WaterPik is very effective, and actually even more effective than string floss, at reducing gingivitis, reducing gingival bleeding, and removing plaque. It also can clean deeper into periodontal pockets than floss can.
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Should you rinse with water after brushing your teeth?

After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
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Should I mouthwash before brushing?

According to the American Dental Association, it doesn't matter whether you use mouthwash before or after brushing. Both are equally effective. The sequence in which you brush, floss and rinse makes no difference as long as you do a thorough job and use quality products.
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Are you supposed to floss everyday?

The short answer is: yes, you should floss every day. The American Dental Association recommends flossing your teeth every day to improve oral health and prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and more. We hear this recommendation often from dental product ads on TV and in magazines.
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